Across Australia, lawmakers are working hard to reduce poker machine spending among punters – but NSW politicians have different plans. Recently, they have introduced new rules that increase the amount of money that pokie players can spend on their favourite games in clubs, pubs and casinos. A new law has been passed that will increase the amount of money that players can store in an account or a smartcard.
Under current rules, players can store up to $200 (and it may be increased to $1000 if a venue receives permission from gambling authorities) – but the new law will allow players to keep $5000 in their accounts. Responsible gambling advocates are concerned about the new service.
Charles Livingstone of Monash University believes that any player who would want to store $5000 in their account is likely to have unhealthy gambling habits, and the new limit would allow players to stay at gambling venues all day.
"It will be dangerous, and in my view likely to exacerbate issues with problem gambling and lead to 'chasing' losses amongst those at risk, which is a key factor in the development of major gambling problems," he says Another change will increase the amount of money that players can cash out. Previously players would not be able to redeem winnings over $2000 in cash.
Any higher payouts would be paid by cheque or electronic bank transfer. Now, players will be able to receive winnings worth up to $5000 in cash. This has also caused concerns. By offering cheques and bank transfers, gaming venues ensured that players would have to wait before being able to access over $2000 in winnings.
Now, players will have instant access to even more money, and some responsible gambling advocates believe that this will give problem gamblers the chance to continue pumping large amounts of money into pokies.
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