While problem gambling is becoming an increasingly prevalent problem across Australia, gambling spending is actually on the decline. According to a recent report in WA Today, Victoria has seen a 25% drop in pokies spending over the course of the past decade, signalling some sign of improvement for problem gambling concerns.

According to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, the average annual spending on poker machines has dropped to $613 in 2010-11. Just nine years ago, the national average was $627. The report states that there is a number of potential reasons why the decline has taken place. Firstly, attitudes towards gambling seem to be changing; however, few studies on new perspectives on gambling have taken place.

The government’s new interest in tackling problem gambling and reducing gambling addiction rates is also likely to have discouraged problem gambling among Australians. With poker reform trials on the horizon, the government hopes that they can reduce gambling spending even further.

Mandatory pre-commitment and betting limits would ensure that locals would not spend more than they can afford when playing pokies, helping to reduce the national average for 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.