A new and interesting developing in the debate on pokie reform sees growing support for $1 betting limits on poker machines. Earlier this week, the Greens launched a policy supporting the implementation of $1 betting limit on the more than 200 000 pokies games across the country. The proposal was presented as an alternative to Andrew Wilkie’s pokie reform.
The proposal of pokie reform has been debated since it was introduced earlier this year. In the months since Andrew Wilkie announced his plan to implement the initiative, it has not gained much support. Rather, it has seen a great deal of opposition from other politicians, residents, gambling operators and community groups.
It is agreed that something needs to be done in order to address the growing rates of problem gambling in Australia, but many are convinced that pokie reform is not that answer. As such, the Greens have presented what they believe would be a feasible alternative. According to representatives of the Gillard government, they will not considering the $1 betting limit proposal, choosing to stick by Wilkie’s pokie reform model.
However, rumours state that Julia Gillard and Wilkie have discussed the new $1 betting limit proposal. If enacted, players could only stand to lose $120 per hour rather than being able to set their own betting limits in the thousands.