Potential National Pokies Reform from Aus Pokies's blog

• Discussions around a national reform framework for poker machines have been gaining momentum in light of the issues with addiction and problem gambling associated with https://auspokies.net/. Advocates argue that a federal intervention could ensure more consistent regulations across states, especially regarding harm minimization measures.
• Some key proposals for federal-level pokies reform include:
  • National Mandatory Pre-Commitment: While some states have introduced voluntary pre-commitment systems (e.g., Victoria), advocates are calling for a mandatory, nationwide pre-commitment program for all poker machines. This would allow players to set limits on how much they are willing to lose before they start playing, ensuring a baseline for responsible gambling.
  • Uniform Bet and Loss Limits: A national standard on maximum bets and losses per hour would create consistency across all states and reduce the ability of problem gamblers to migrate to jurisdictions with looser regulations.
  • National Self-Exclusion Register for Physical Venues: Following the success of the online self-exclusion register, there are calls for a similar system for physical venues. This would allow individuals to exclude themselves from gambling at any club, pub, or casino across the country with just one registration, rather than needing to exclude themselves from each venue separately.

• State governments have been experimenting with various harm minimization policies in response to public pressure to address the social costs of gambling. The federal government has increasingly supported these efforts, often by funding studies or promoting best practices across states.

Key harm minimization initiatives include:

• Pre-Commitment Systems:
  • In Victoria, players have access to YourPlay, a voluntary pre-commitment system allowing them to set time and money limits before playing pokies. While the system is currently voluntary, some are pushing for it to be made mandatory in order to have a broader impact.
• Betting and Loss Limits:
  • Tasmania became the first Australian state to introduce a $5 maximum bet limit on poker machines in pubs and clubs, along with mandatory pre-commitment for all players starting in 2024. This is seen as a potential model for other states to follow.
• Self-Exclusion Programs:
  • Self-exclusion programs, where gamblers can voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues, have existed for years in Australia, but their effectiveness has been questioned due to inconsistent enforcement. New technologies like facial recognition are being trialed in some states to better enforce self-exclusion agreements.
• Facial Recognition Technology:
• South Australia and New South Wales have been at the forefront of trials for facial recognition technology in gambling venues. This technology aims to detect players who have self-excluded or who show signs of problem gambling, preventing them from accessing machines.

• Although this framework was created for the online space, similar concepts—such as mandatory pre-commitment and a national self-exclusion program—are being considered for physical poker machines.