This week, the Victorian government announced that it will be proposing an new pre-commitment system that offers pokie players loyalty schemes. The plan has been met with mixed responses, and pokie operators across the state want more information on the subject. According to Peter Johnston, manager of the Sale and District Greyhound Racing Club, has stated that there are relatively few details available about the new scheme.
From what he understands, the loyalty cards will have a set limits which players cannot exceed – but he is not entirely sure that is the case. As such, Mr Johnson is requesting that the state government provide some more information about the new pre-commitment system. "Information is still a little bit skinny at this stage”, he says.
“This is going to happen by early 2015 so we hope we're going to get some rather big chunks of information rather soon”. Mr Johnston has also estimated the potential costs for installing the new system. He anticipates that it will cost between $1800 and $2200 to equip each poker machine with pre-commitment technology, which would equal a $140 000 investment in order to be compliant with the legislation if it is passed.
Pokie players at the club are considering that the new scheme could be effective. According to ABC News, some punters at the Greyhound Racing Club notice other pokie players placing big wagers that they cannot afford on pokies. Pre-commitment would give them the opportunity to stop and think before they wager, so they can decide how much they can afford to spend before they spin the reels.
However, some players are not entirely sure the program will work if it is only voluntary. While players are more likely to use the cards if a loyalty program is attached, there is no guarantee that they will actually decide to take advantage of the pre-commitment service that is offered.
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