Problem gambling is an immediate problem in Australia, but the government seems to be taking its time to decide on a solution. Disagreements between politicians continue to prevent poker machine reform from being implemented, with the earliest possible date of the trial taking place in 2014. MP Andrew Wilkie and the Gillard government have spent months in debate and negotiations over the new pokie reform trial.

During this time, gaming machine manufacturers have sat idly by, waiting for some kind of consensus on the subject, so that they would be able to go ahead outfitting the games with pre-commitment software. Local politicians seem to have the best interests of the general public at heart, but the debates are slowing down the process.

As Andrew Wilkie fights for a flick-of-a-switch solution and The Greens attempt to intervene with their push for $1 betting limits, pokie reform continues to be delayed. Gaming machine manufacturers state that it would take over a year to outfit all of the games with the technology necessary to have a successful trial. As such, we are now looking at 2014 as the potential start-date for any pokie reform trial, but even that is optimistic.

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.