Land-based gambling spending in Australia has been on the decline over the course of the past year. Research shows that residents are spending over a billion dollars less on pokies across the country as a whole. However, there is one area in which pokies spending is on the rise.

Fraser Coast seems to be on its way to spending more money on pokies this year; however, statistics are not entirely accurate at the moment. According to reports, the best case scenario is if Fraser Coast gambling spending remains the same in 2012 as it was in 2011. Last year, the amount of money spent on pokies in Fraser Coast was $46.1 million.

This year, residents have spent between $3 million and $4.5 million per month; so, the state is well on its way to exceeding $50 million in gambling spending for the year 2012. Australia, as a whole, has seen pokies spending drop due to a phenomenal effort by the state of Victoria. Local politicians passed a number of reforms to reduce pokies spending that is derived from problem gambling.

These included banning ATMs in pokie venues, so players could not chase losses, and banning the use of headphones while playing pokies, so that players do not become isolated while gambling. They have resulted in a $62 million drop in pokies spending in the state.

Fraser Coast has not taken similar initiative when it comes to curbing problem gambling rates in the country, but pubs in the state will be taking part in poker machine reform. Over the course of the next 5 years, pokies club owners will have to ensure that all of their games are equipped with voluntary pre-commitment technology and impose $250 withdrawal limits from ATMs.

Slowly but surely, states across Australia will be taking the necessary steps to reducing the amount of pokies spending that comes from problem gamblers. Through pokie reform and other initiatives, local club owners can provide a solution to problem gambling.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.