Showing posts with label Tim Freedman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tim Freedman. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

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.