Australia to ban Pokies

[Mauser]

I was really surprised to see that Australians are so big into gambling. In another thread here about the top 10 countries that have the highest gambling losses per person Australia was among the top. I never been to Australia, but I always thought that they enjoy life at the beach, drinking beer and having a barbecue. Why would you stay in doors and gamble so much? Also, it would be surprising if all this gambling is only done on slot machines.
To me it seems excessive to get rid of all the spot machines in the next 5-10 years. What will they do with all the old machines? Sell to other countries? Why not start with a limitation of slot machines per venues? There is really no need to use the ban hammer, it seems excessive. Would be good to know if the majority of Australians are behind such a ban. If politicians feel like the slot machines make too much money, and gamblers are losing too much, why not regulate the market? They could increase the RTP to a certain minimum level, below that they wouldn't be able to be sold in Australia. I know that slot machines are much more common in USA than they are in Europe and that the payout ratio is also much higher in the States.

[Ararbermas]

More slot machines is surely a problem. According to a survey data from 2021 it is found that Australia on the top of most addicted gamblers in the world losing an average of $1288. In specific 40% of Australians gamble in the daily basis. This is a big number considering the population of around 26.5 million. As mentioned going with strict regulations is good than getting into complete abolishing of the machines. It is the right moment for the government to act wise and keep its citizens under control.

well definitely a big problem if that is the status of addicted gamblers within the country , and surely those machines will be bash out immediately when they already have a permission.  

But yes these a very common situation when it comes gambling and they need to process it. and for me IMO there still chance for those machines to stay because indeed government can get benefits from it as well, so perhaps it will become restricted only.

[Boristhecat]

I am not an expert in Australian politics, but judging by the initiative and the fact that the name of the party contains the word "greens", these are just another leftist idiots who "invented" how people should live and will now try to force people to conform to their fictions.

Well, with so many socialists on the forum, I'm glad to find someone who thinks like me, as there aren't many around here.

Leftists tend quite a bit to ban and force, as in this case. I particularly, although I'm not a big supporter of regulations, I do believe that the gambling industry has to be regulated, but in this case it's silly. Are they going to ban slot machines in bars and pubs when today everyone has unlimited access to slot machines from the mobile? Lol. Idiots.

To be honest, I rarely read the Politics section and the like, so I didn’t notice that there are a lot of socialists here, it’s sad if so.

As for the stupidity of the leftists and the fact that their prohibitions are easy to get around - yes it is. But I believe that bypassing the ban is a losing path, because by trying to get around the ban you recognize that someone has the right to restrict you. It is unacceptable.
Plus, it should be borne in mind that they never stop (until they get a rebuff), for example, in the case under discussion, their next step will be to ban access to online casinos (as has already been implemented in many countries). This can be bypassed with the help of VPN, but they will again come up with the "next" ban. This is a road to nowhere, it is better not to start it.

[robelneo]

-skip-
Now, is that fair ?
Abolish the machines altogether?
Why isn't regulation and monitoring not taken into account?
What do you think ?

I am not an expert in Australian politics, but judging by the initiative and the fact that the name of the party contains the word "greens", these are just another leftist idiots who "invented" how people should live and will now try to force people to conform to their fictions. I hope that in Australia there is a conscious population and a strong gaming lobby and they will not allow idiots to tell adults how they should live and where to spend their honestly earned money.

They used the harsh word

abolish

they really hated these gambling machines that they did not offer an alternative to users of these machines, those machines were set up because it was approved by the government committee they should consider the companies and the cost of setting them and the workers that are maintaining them, they just push people to play online away from their jurisdiction.

[madnessteat]

I am not an expert in Australian politics, but judging by the initiative and the fact that the name of the party contains the word "greens", these are just another leftist idiots who "invented" how people should live and will now try to force people to conform to their fictions.

Well, with so many socialists on the forum, I'm glad to find someone who thinks like me, as there aren't many around here.

Leftists tend quite a bit to ban and force, as in this case. I particularly, although I'm not a big supporter of regulations, I do believe that the gambling industry has to be regulated, but in this case it's silly. Are they going to ban slot machines in bars and pubs when today everyone has unlimited access to slot machines from the mobile? Lol. Idiots.

To be honest, I rarely read the Politics section and the like, so I didn’t notice that there are a lot of socialists here, it’s sad if so.

As for the stupidity of the leftists and the fact that their prohibitions are easy to get around - yes it is. But I believe that bypassing the ban is a losing path, because by trying to get around the ban you recognize that someone has the right to restrict you. It is unacceptable.
Plus, it should be borne in mind that they never stop (until they get a rebuff), for example, in the case under discussion, their next step will be to ban access to online casinos (as has already been implemented in many countries). This can be bypassed with the help of VPN, but they will again come up with the "next" ban. This is a road to nowhere, it is better not to start it.

If you look carefully you will see that they are not going to completely ban gambling they only want to reduce the gambling addiction of citizens by gradually reducing the number of gambling machines and which are placed on almost every corner in pubs, bars, etc. Think about it, is it good when about 70-80% of adult Australians gamble? Personally for me it is just an unacceptable statistic and I see nothing wrong with this initiative.   

[judeafante]

I am not an expert in Australian politics, but judging by the initiative and the fact that the name of the party contains the word "greens", these are just another leftist idiots who "invented" how people should live and will now try to force people to conform to their fictions.

Well, with so many socialists on the forum, I'm glad to find someone who thinks like me, as there aren't many around here.

Leftists tend quite a bit to ban and force, as in this case. I particularly, although I'm not a big supporter of regulations, I do believe that the gambling industry has to be regulated, but in this case it's silly. Are they going to ban slot machines in bars and pubs when today everyone has unlimited access to slot machines from the mobile? Lol. Idiots.

To be honest, I rarely read the Politics section and the like, so I didn’t notice that there are a lot of socialists here, it’s sad if so.

As for the stupidity of the leftists and the fact that their prohibitions are easy to get around - yes it is. But I believe that bypassing the ban is a losing path, because by trying to get around the ban you recognize that someone has the right to restrict you. It is unacceptable.
Plus, it should be borne in mind that they never stop (until they get a rebuff), for example, in the case under discussion, their next step will be to ban access to online casinos (as has already been implemented in many countries). This can be bypassed with the help of VPN, but they will again come up with the "next" ban. This is a road to nowhere, it is better not to start it.

If you look carefully you will see that they are not going to completely ban gambling they only want to reduce the gambling addiction of citizens by gradually reducing the number of gambling machines and which are placed on almost every corner in pubs, bars, etc. Think about it, is it good when about 70-80% of adult Australians gamble? Personally for me it is just an unacceptable statistic and I see nothing wrong with this initiative.   

I don't know about the state of gambling in Australia is it really that worse that they want to take out all these machines even if gradually if it's that high, but if they are responsible gamblers I don't think they should take them all out if they don't have alternatives for the patrons of these machines, in a country where gambling is tolerated the government just don't take everything out without alternative or transferring to other venues.

[Kakmakr]

The thing is..... Australians lose a staggering A$24.9 billion a year to gambling and are some of the world’s heaviest gamblers per capita. {Source : https://intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au/ethics-and-governance/how-policy-reform-solve-gambling-australia }

So, the Australian government has been getting a lot of negative publicity and the media are being used to push the government to regulate gambling in Australia a lot more.

Take a look at this e-Brief ==> https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/researchpapers/Documents/Gambling_an%20update.pdf   ....it makes for some interesting reading. 

[gantez]

The thing is..... Australians lose a staggering A$24.9 billion a year to gambling and are some of the world’s heaviest gamblers per capita. {Source : https://intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au/ethics-and-governance/how-policy-reform-solve-gambling-australia }

So, the Australian government has been getting a lot of negative publicity and the media are being used to push the government to regulate gambling in Australia a lot more.

Take a look at this e-Brief ==> https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/researchpapers/Documents/Gambling_an%20update.pdf   ....it makes for some interesting reading. 

That is a really serious record on Australia there with much losses in gambling. I wonder where such money go to if it is only in the pucket of casino and gambling sites owners or the Australian government making big tax profit from the losses because the players are making negative to themselves. Gambling has some negative spirit and you won't stop when you are losing.

[Doell]

What the party is doing how in favor of it are you ? No doubt I support responsible gambling but at the same time, machines are not the problem, they might just be the surface of it. Why is there no medical support for people affected by gambling addiction in their plan? Do the parties fail to get some decent knowledge about how an addiction is a mental disorder and needs immediate attention. If they remove the machines they will find some other source to gamble on ofc.

On this side I completely agree with you, obligation that must be increased is healing due to being an addict, a condition with seriousness such as a mental disorder that must be cured. Slot machines are just tools for gambling but gambling can even be found anywhere, the parties don't fall short in knowledge but they don't seem too serious about at least lowering the addiction.

[SirLancelot]

They used the harsh word

abolish

they really hated these gambling machines that they did not offer an alternative to users of these machines, those machines were set up because it was approved by the government committee they should consider the companies and the cost of setting them and the workers that are maintaining them, they just push people to play online away from their jurisdiction.

They are classy because of that "green" word but at the same time rude because of that "abolish" word. When they say abolish I think that means to destroy all gambling machines that they see which is not fair because what if that machines are legal and have permits, most especially they are only placed in the appropriate areas like inside the casinos.

The ones that they should remove are those machines that are wrongly placed because people on all ages are going to get curious to try it and when they become addicted, that's going to be a big problem. Those who placed those machines are the ones that should be blamed other than the irresponsible gambler.

[serjent05]

Now, is that fair ?
Abolish the machines altogether?
Why isn't regulation and monitoring not taken into account?
What do you think ?

Depends on which group you are referring to.  It is fair for people who don't want gambling machines in their area, and unfair to those who wanted them.  Fair to the family who is greatly affected by their relatives due to gambling problems.  Very unfair to the business company that is focused on gambling machines, they will be put out of business in Australia because of this call and many will surely lose their job.  Whether this is fair or not, I think, is subjective.

[Viscore]

If they cannot control it, they ban it. And I wonder what good does it do in the long run when addicted people run around and find some other place to gamble, and even do the extremes in order to satiate their gambling thirst. Perhaps a total ban on slot machines isn't the solution but rather the regulation of it. If the Australian government tightens up their policy and regulation on acquiring and operating such machines, we will not be seeing a rise on the number of addicted people in said games.

It's unfair if they impose a whole ban, but they should think of something else to control it.

That's what suck mostly of the government institutions nowadays, they seem to be overreacting and end up banning all those that they can't control anymore. The machines are just tools, and even if they will vanish, gamblers will always find ways to gamble on other things that will result into addiction. I think what they need to deal is the addiction of their citizens, and they can only do that if they start regulating all those things that seem to be uncontrolled anymore. Its also unfair on the owners of those machines as they will also lose an income if those will be totally disposed.

[lionheart78]

If they cannot control it, they ban it. And I wonder what good does it do in the long run when addicted people run around and find some other place to gamble, and even do the extremes in order to satiate their gambling thirst. Perhaps a total ban on slot machines isn't the solution but rather the regulation of it. If the Australian government tightens up their policy and regulation on acquiring and operating such machines, we will not be seeing a rise on the number of addicted people in said games.

It's unfair if they impose a whole ban, but they should think of something else to control it.

That's what suck mostly of the government institutions nowadays, they seem to be overreacting and end up banning all those that they can't control anymore.

I think they are just making their work easier and simple.  Banning gambling machines altogether will save them resources and time than regulating it and creating panels of people on deciding which area is ban and which is not.  Though I agree with Avikz idea:

Probably Australia can take Las vegas route instead. Designate an area where all gambling houses will be situated and represent it as a tourist destination.

and I think it is very much easier to implement.

The machines are just tools,

And are meant to be disposed of if proven harmful.  So I am not against banning them altogether if there is no better way to solve the gambling addiction in a country.

and even if they will vanish, gamblers will always find ways to gamble on other things that will result into addiction.

That is why it is important to ban them all so that addicted gambler will have no way to look for it at least in the physical location.  Online gambling will be another story I think.  

I think what they need to deal is the addiction of their citizens, and they can only do that if they start regulating all those things that seem to be uncontrolled anymore. Its also unfair on the owners of those machines as they will also lose an income if those will be totally disposed.

I highly agree that they need to focus on addicted citizens.  But the problem lies ahead because addicted citizens will never comply with regulations since they are as you said are already uncontrollable.  Medical treatment of those who are addicted to gambling should be prioritized after the gambling machine ban.

So I think total gambling machine ban and gambling regulation must be implemented at the same time.

[Lanatsa]

If they cannot control it, they ban it. And I wonder what good does it do in the long run when addicted people run around and find some other place to gamble, and even do the extremes in order to satiate their gambling thirst. Perhaps a total ban on slot machines isn't the solution but rather the regulation of it. If the Australian government tightens up their policy and regulation on acquiring and operating such machines, we will not be seeing a rise on the number of addicted people in said games.

It's unfair if they impose a whole ban, but they should think of something else to control it.

That's what suck mostly of the government institutions nowadays, they seem to be overreacting and end up banning all those that they can't control anymore. The machines are just tools, and even if they will vanish, gamblers will always find ways to gamble on other things that will result into addiction. I think what they need to deal is the addiction of their citizens, and they can only do that if they start regulating all those things that seem to be uncontrolled anymore. Its also unfair on the owners of those machines as they will also lose an income if those will be totally disposed.

What would you expect? Government is always been like this on which they would really be making out sudden steps whether they would be accepting or banning it according to their likes which is something not

surprising anymore knowing government will always be loving on having a good control or track on everything and if they do see that there's something wrong or against into their interest then they would make out

such action whether its a beneficial one for the community or totally just because of their personal agenda but speaking or talking for this one then i would say its a good  step though.

[Accardo]

They are step by step ways of fighting addictions and banning pokies which takes up most of the gamblers time is one amongst them.  When an addicted gambler can't get access to the gambling stands it'll help reduce the addiction. Being addicted to gambling is against the gambling rules and the Australian Government will do anything possible to fight such development in the country. In addition, they are some behaviors that requires a citizen to visit the hospital such as attempting murder because they are indebted which resulted from the gambling habit. Such bad news appear rarely on mainstream medias and I believe it doesn't happen regularly.

[madnessteat]

I don't know about the state of gambling in Australia is it really that worse that they want to take out all these machines even if gradually if it's that high, but if they are responsible gamblers I don't think they should take them all out if they don't have alternatives for the patrons of these machines, in a country where gambling is tolerated the government just don't take everything out without alternative or transferring to other venues.

As far as I know, Australia is one of those countries where gambling is very widespread. Just imagine if every pub and cafe in your country had several slot machines. I don't think gambling is a bad thing and should be banned completely, but I don't think it will do any good. At least I wouldn't want my child to see all this and take it for granted.   

[AicecreaME]

Australia have more gambling machines per person than anyone else in tbe whole world. Right now an interesting event is happening, there have been numerous calls now to remove all those machines from places like the PUBS and the CLUBS.

According to a news report, the slot machines are not just confined to any casino or any usual place, right now apparently in Australia there is no such law, the machines are everywhere an insight into what might be causing tbe leading probelms with increasing addiction there.

Let me take out the important content from the source here :

The party devised an eight-step plan to slowly eradicate slot machines from the pubs and clubs where gamblers can spend all day without stopping trying to win big.
The Greens hoped to introduce a $7billion transition package to phase pokies out of society.
'Pokies in pubs will be phased out over five years and pokies in clubs will be phased out over 10 years with a support package for clubs and communities,' the plan said.
Councils would also have the right to cap the number of machines set up in pubs in the area under the plan.
Advertising of gambling on public transport and in sport would also be scrapped under the Greens' initiative.
Their stance on the issue was echoed by former Deputy Leader of the NSW Science Party - now known as Fusion Party - James Jansson.

What the party is doing how in favor of it are you ? No doubt I support responsible gambling but at the same time, machines are not the problem, they might just be the surface of it. Why is there no medical support for people affected by gambling addiction in their plan? Do the parties fail to get some decent knowledge about how an addiction is a mental disorder and needs immediate attention. If they remove the machines they will find some other source to gamble on ofc.

The NSW Greens party has led calls to abolish the gambling machines altogether.

Now, is that fair ?
Abolish the machines altogether?
Why isn't regulation and monitoring not taken into account?
What do you think ?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10761199/amp/Australias-gambling-problem-prompts-calls-pokies-banned.html

Gambling in Australia is common and predominant. To have a lot of slot machines that's almost the same or even exceed the population is quite insane. Although if each area has so many casinos it isn't really surprising.
 
Banning the slot machines or particularly pokies outright without first analyzing where the problem is coming from and regulating it as a first step to check if the problem will still be resolved doesn't sit well with me. Because after all, these casinos, clubs, and pubs spent money too over those machines. They could at least give a time frame to test whether the problems such as addiction could be solved by regulating it.

In addition, the main problem isn't really about the slot machines. The problems usually comes from within. The person who decides to gamble must be responsible and disciplined enough to know when to stop. Indulging in such activities knowing it has severe repercussions is really foolish. Hopefully, they'll address the issue at its root cause not not just on the surface.

[Smartprofit]

Australia is a very democratic and innovative country.  In particular, she is very loyal to cryptocurrencies. 

In my opinion, the New South Wales Green Party is making very illogical and ill-conceived statements.  In pubs and clubs, after drinking a glass of cognac, it is very useful to play slot machines.  People come to pubs and nightclubs to drink, have fun and gamble.  Usually a person allocates a certain budget for a Sunday trip to the bar.  Including he plans to play slot machines.  Due to the unsuccessful initiative of a political party, Australians will be deprived of the opportunity to play their favorite games of chance in pubs and clubs. 

In my opinion, Australian players should ask the Australian legislature to block this harmful legislative initiative.

[Similificator]

It may really seem as something unfair but just to give them the benefit of the doubt, there may really be some heavy reasons as to why they have reached such a decision. A cause may have been present that would be detrimental for the entire country itself like uncontrolled over gambling that is already affecting the youth and all(although I can not be so sure since I do not know anything about the situation in Australia). On the other hand though, this may be because they just don't want something that is out of their control or something that does not give them much benefits. Whichever the case is, it would be nice if the people are also given a chance to debate about this or be given a voice to speak out. I mean, gambling has been around for decades and people have been used to it. Maybe with good talks, the people and the government may reach some sort of compromise that would be able to benefit both sides.

[Cryptock]

It may really seem as something unfair but just to give them the benefit of the doubt, there may really be some heavy reasons as to why they have reached such a decision. A cause may have been present that would be detrimental for the entire country itself like uncontrolled over gambling that is already affecting the youth and all(although I can not be so sure since I do not know anything about the situation in Australia). On the other hand though, this may be because they just don't want something that is out of their control or something that does not give them much benefits. Whichever the case is, it would be nice if the people are also given a chance to debate about this or be given a voice to speak out. I mean, gambling has been around for decades and people have been used to it. Maybe with good talks, the people and the government may reach some sort of compromise that would be able to benefit both sides.

Australia has a huge market of gambling. Even the tourist likes to try different machines and play when they are visiting the other countries.
Are Aussie not reacting to this decision? or is it just a temporary ban?
I am not sure how will this ban affect the entertainment of the Auiess and the tourists as well?