This week, New South Wales politicians announced new poker machine regulations that would relax the rules regarding clubs’ gaming machines. Local gaming clubs would be able to swap some of their pokies for electronic multiplayer table games. While some believe that these games will cause harm to local residents, gambling experts are not worried.
According to Jon Chin, a representative of the Hunter Chapter for Clubs NSW, the new gaming machines will not make any difference in the region’s gambling market. On behalf of his organization, he has voiced his doubts about the games presenting harm for problem gamblers. He admits that they may result in a rise in gambling spending in other areas of NSW but Newcastle will be immune.
"The changes might be very good for those clubs in the western side of Sydney but in Newcastle, it wouldn't have an iota of difference," he says. The Greens, who are well-known for being responsible gambling advocates, have combatted these claims. The group has dismissed his stance that the new games will not cause an increase in problem gambling rates simply because of their design.
"Clubs NSW is yet again trying to hide the awful truth that these casino-style games create yet more problem gambling, in all communities,” says Dr John Kaye, a spokesperson for The Greens. The games allow more players to wager on one game, and the betting limit is much higher than it is on poker machines. Instead of spending a maximum of $5 per wager, players can wager up to $10.
As such, it is entirely likely that gambling spending will increase in Hunter, as it will in any other areas where the games are introduced. Whether this will affect problem gambling rates, however, still remains to be seen.
About the Author
