Across Australia, politicians are trying to find new ways to reduce the potential harm of poker machines. Hume is one of many locations that is cracking down on poker machine legislation, as politicians introduce new rules that pokie venues must abide by. Firstly, if a venue owner wants to introduce new pokies into the community, they will undergo a review.
If the game is determined to have a detrimental impact, then the poker machine will not be allowed to be installed at the venue. By being critical of new games, city councillors can help to limit poker machine numbers. Secondly, the council will not permit any new poker machine venues from opening up in Hume. So, any new venues that are proposed cannot contain pokies are depending on gaming machines for income.
Combined, these provisions will limit poker machine numbers in Hume. This is important because several studies have linked high numbers of poker machines in an area to high problem gambling rates. If problem gamblers are not able to find a gaming venue within their vicinity, councillors hope that they will simply not spend any money on pokies.
As such, gambling spending and problem gambling rates will decline. “EGMs [electronic gaming machines] are too widely accessible and don’t improve residents’ social lives, ” says councillor Drew Jessop. The provisions were made based on the results of gaming surveys, community health agencies and the perspectives of local residents. Hume councillors have worked hard to find a solution that would satisfy all parties.
Of course, it can be expected that gaming venue operators will not be pleased about the changes to the city’s poker machine laws – but the goal is to benefit the community rather than line the pockets of pub and club owners.
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