Blow up the Pokies
Half the world's poker machines are located in Australia, and they rake in AUD$12 billion each year (that's not how much is gambled, but how much is lost by gamblers). Problem gamblers can throw away $1,000 per hour. GetUp are working together with Independent MP Andrew Wilkie to push for reform. The goal: mandatory pre-commitment, which simply means that players, before they start gambling, must set their own daily limit on how much they are willing to lose for the day. This isn't a massive change. Nonetheless, Clubs Australia are preparing to spend $20 million to fight the move and protect their bloated profits. You can sign a petition here (and another here)* to offer your support.
It isn't blowing up the pokies, but it's a start.
*H/T Arthur.
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7 comments:
Avaaz has got a petition for it here.
This piece misses the point.
SMH: High support for mandatory pre-commitment.
Oakeshott - disappointing.
SMH: Commentary on the political implications of this issue. The stats at the end of the article are telling. Poker machines require problem gamblers to be profitable. They are a blight on pubs and a drain on the wallets of those least able to afford it (and on their families and support networks and employers and neighbours and...).
TAI: High stakes in gambling reform.
The Conversation: Almost 75% support the changes.
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