Councillors in Yarra Ranges have chosen to change the way in which poker machines in the area are regulated. The new EMG Gambling Policy will act as a guideline for the regulation of poker machines from now until 2017. Until recently, poker machines were accepted as a ubiquitous gambling activity.
Although the games could cause potential harm, local governments turned a blind eye to the possibility that pokies could be responsible for rising problem gambling rates across the country. Now, states like Yarra Ranges are working hard to ensure that the local government takes responsibility for their poker machines to ensure that they do not cause residents harm.
One of the major concerns about poker machine is the sheer number of them. There are hundreds of pokies in the area, making them inescapable. They are accepted as a viable form of entertainment, which has the potential to normalize gambling for young people. By reducing the number of games, they will be less accessible and thus less harmful. The number of pokies is also important for reducing problem gambling rates.
Politicians believe that reducing the number of pokies will have a positive effect on gambling addiction rates. They believe that if a problem gambler cannot find pokies at their closest venue, they will give up the search. There is little evidence to prove this, but it is a step in the right direction. However, it is important to remember that pokies are not inherently harmful.
Researchers have found that gambling addiction is not about playing the game itself but about escapism. Mental health issues also play an important role in the development of compulsive gambling behaviour. New pokies guidelines will ensure that vulnerable individuals will not be capitalized on in the local gambling market.
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