Recent reports have shown that the main reason many individuals choose to play pokies and slots games is for stress relief and entertainment and while the games are not inherently addictive, there is a chance that some players will exhibit compulsive behaviour. In Australia, we are currently fighting problem gambling rates are rising – and it seems that similar issues have risen overseas.

In the United Kingdom, a large population of low-income earners are spending their money on poker machines. According to the Daily Mail, poorer individuals are four times more likely to visit casinos than those with higher incomes. In areas with high levels of unemployment, individuals are spending upwards of £5 billion per year on gaming machines and other casino activities.

Recent reports have shown that fifty municipalities with the lowest employment rates saw individuals spend £5.6 billion wagering on 4500 poker machines located in betting shops across the country. While the issue is not with poker machines themselves, there is concern about operators allegedly targeting low-income areas.

The Daily Mail reports that Bethnal Green, a lower-income neighbourhood in London, saw $243 million wagered on betting shop gaming machines. Conversely, betting shops in Henley, one of Oxford’s more affluent areas, have not even licensed betting terminals. The Association of British Bookmakers claims it is simply a coincidence, stating: “The idea that bookmakers target vulnerable communities is both false and offensive.

Like any other retailer, we locate our shops where footfall is high and rents are affordable. These factors vary which explains there can be different numbers of shops in different parts of the country”. So, is it an issue of betting shops targeting the poor or the government allowing them to do so? The issue of gambling addiction is an important one, and it is up to politicians to get to the root of the problem.

While Australian politicians have taken a stand by legislating pokie reform, now is the time for international governments to take similar steps to limiting players’ gambling spending.

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.