Yesterday, The Victoria Greens presented a legislation to the upper house, which proposed that the maximum bet for pokies be reduced from $5 to $1. In the weeks leading up to the hearing, the bill garnered diverse reactions from local residents and industry professionals. In the end, it was defeated. The bill was proposed by MLC Colleen Hartland, who called on Labour and Coalition for their support.
The Greens also launched a petition with the aim of obtaining 1500 signatures. To date, the petition has collected just over 1100, and both Labour and Coalition have refused to announce their stance on the topic. So, going into the hearing, the Greens did not have much support. However, the group maintained that $1 bet limits are the most effective way to curb problem gambling spending in the state.
The Greens have argued that the $1 bet limit would be more effective than voluntary pre-commitment while being a more affordable option, as well. “The Greens $1 bet limit proposal is evidence-based and was recommended by the Productivity Commission because it is the cheapest, most effective and straight forward solution,” reads their petition.
“$1 bet limits are effective because they target problem gamblers – 88% of recreational gamblers don't bet more than $1 per spin so most punters won't even notice the change”. Still, the group did not see to sway the opinions of the upper house. Of all of the states, Victoria was the most likely to pass the law due to its recent history of introducing problem gambling safeguards such as the ATM ban and headphone ban.
Unfortunately, Victorian politicians could not get on board with the Greens’ plan for $1 betting limits on pokies.
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