Responsible gambling advocates across Australia are concerned about the recent increase in problem gambling rates among pokie players and casino goers – but it seems like things are changing. According to ABC News, gambling spending is on the decline in Tasmania, which could mean that locals are becoming more responsible with regards to their gaming habits.
The Tasmanian Gaming Commission recently published its Annual Report, which has revealed that pokie spending has dropped by 14% in the state. This has caused Tasmania’s two casinos to lose $13 million in revenue over the course of the past year. The decline in gambling spending is due to several new gaming regulations that have been passed.
Over 60 regulations were introduced, many of which aimed to encourage responsible spending habits among pokie players. The decline is likely due to strict new regulations that were introduced in September 2012. A regulation that has majorly affected gambling spending required casino operators to scale back their loyalty programs.
For the past year, Tasmania’s two casinos have not been able to offer the same generous promotions or bonuses that encourage players to gamble, which resulted in fewer patrons and less gambling spending. Casino owners have also noticed a decline in demand for their other services, such as food and drinks.
As such, there are mounting concerns that Tasmania’s two casinos will be put at a competitive disadvantage against pokie clubs and other gaming venues across the state. "This is not an end point, it's an excellent first step and we hope to see more positive steps along the pathway to addressing problem gambling," says Reverend Chris Jones of Anglicare.
"We do need to make sure the problem gambling services continue to be funded, that we continue to do community education work".
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