Gov't cuts maximum bet on poker machines to USD 5

Any gaming venues that do not comply with the new limit — down from $10 — will be switched off. Even so, the State Government expects 500 machines will be turned off.

The new limit was flagged in 2013 as part of the Government’s reforms of the Gaming Machines Act aimed at reducing red tape for venues and problem gambling.

Communities Minister Zoe Bettison said that while gambling was a “popular Australian pastime” some people quickly developed a gambling problem.

“By reducing the maximum bet limit, we hope to reduce the amount problem gamblers can lose while they are gambling,” she said.

Senator Nick Xenophon said the reduction was not nearly enough.

He said he and state NXT member John Darley would continue to push for the maximum bet to be reduced to $1.

“The challenge is to wind back the damage done by existing venues,” he said.

Uniting Communities advocacy manager Mark Henley said the Productivity Commission recommended the $1 per spin bet limit on Australia’s poker machines in 2010 as a practical way to reduce the harm from problem gambling associated with poker machines.

“Poker machines can be played at over 20 spins per minute, so a $1 per spin bet limit still gives a $20 per minute spending rate — higher than almost all other recreational activities,” he said.

In mid-December Coles, owned by conglomerate Wesfarmers, revealed it wants to conduct a trial of $1 bet limits to see if it will improve responsible gambling practices.