Article Picture

Australia is still the world leader in gambling losses. Recently, the highest number of losses were reported when playing pokies.
It is no surprise that Australia has the highest per capita level of gambling losses in the world. The majority of those losses come from pokie machines. New South Wales (NSW) has around half of the country's pokies, and its clubs and pubs account for over $6 billion in annual losses.

Australians lose approximately $25 billion on legal forms of gambling each year, representing the largest per capita losses in the world.

Proposed NSW Legislation for Problem Gamblers

An initiative taken by the NSW Labour Government to fight problem gambling, the following steps have been taken:
  • From 1 July 2024, venues with more than 20 gaming machine entitlements will be required to have a Responsible Gambling Officer on duty while poker machines are in operation, in the latest initiative by the NSW Labour Government to reduce gambling harm.
  • All hotels and clubs with gaming machines will also be required to maintain a Gambling Incident Register and a Gaming Management Plan.
  • Implement new reforms to help curb problem gambling.
  • Help players who need support.
  • Clubs with more than 100 gaming machine entitlements will be required to have additional Responsible Gambling Officers, to ensure that sufficiently trained staff are available to support patrons and to ensure they have a reasonable workload across larger gaming floors.

Number of reforms to reduce gambling

The NSW Labour Government has already implemented several reforms to reduce gambling harm and prevent money laundering in NSW pubs and clubs, including:
  • The cash input limit for all new gaming machines, previously $5000, has been reduced to $500.
  • Reducing the state-wide cap on gaming machine entitlements by approximately 3000
  • Political donations from clubs involved in gaming have been banned.
  • Independent Panel on Gaming Reform has been brought forward to oversee a comprehensive trial of cashless gaming in NSW across 4430 electronic gaming machines, far exceeding the government’s election commitment of 500 machines.
  • Ban on external gaming-related signage and internal gaming-related signage that can be seen from outside the venue.

Get Help for Problem Gambling

If you suffer from problem gambling, then you can get immediate help and support in the following ways:

1. Use BetStop

  • BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register program that lets you exclude yourself from all Australian licensed online and phone wagering casinos, sites or services.
  • You can do this for a minimum of 3 months or a lifetime.
  • Registering is quick and easy. All you need is a mobile phone number, an email address and an Australian driver’s licence or a Medicare card.
  • The service is free, and your details will be protected.

2. Gambling Help Online

  • For free and confidential support, visit the Gambling Help Online website to learn more about online counselling, live chat and email support, self-help advice, and information.
  • This is available to anyone who is experiencing harm and is concerned about a friend or family member.

3. Telephone support

You can get immediate assistance by calling the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free, professional and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4. Financial counselling

Financial counselling is available to support people affected by gambling harm. Visit the department’s Commonwealth Financial Counselling webpage for more information.

How to Play Pokies Wisely

It’s always good to play pokies wisely. Here are a few tips to avoid getting addicted to pokies and becoming a problem gambler:
  • Play pokies at online casinos. Online casinos have higher RTP (Return to Player) rates than land-based pokies at clubs or pubs.
  • Fix a period to play pokies. Don’t play pokies for hours or daily. Limit your play to weekends, a single day of the week, or a single month.
  • Don’t chase your losses. If you lose, stop playing immediately. Take a break and engage in other activities.
  • Don’t chase your wins. If you win, stop playing and enjoy your winnings. You might lose what you have won if you continue playing.
  • Play for free and for fun without spending or losing any money. Many online casinos offer the option to play for fun without spending money.
  • Engage in yoga or meditation to help reduce the urge to play pokies.
  • Spend time in nature, such as sitting in a park, playing with kids, or watching animals. Find joy in these simple activities.

Major Insights

Though the government is taking steps to stop the gambling problem, we also must curb it.

Remember that you are responsible for your losses, not the casinos.
Practising self-control and engaging in other meaningful activities are some of the ways to do this. Also, to play free pokies to satisfy the temptation of playing pokies.
If you or any family members are suffering from this problem, you can take steps to address it.

FAQs

How do I know I have a problem with gambling?

If you gamble regularly, and you are losing money with your gambling habits going out of control, you can know that you have a problem with gambling.

What should I do if I have this problem?

You should stop gambling and seek help and support. Also, get counselling at the problem gambling centres.

Should I play free pokies?

Yes, playing free pokies does not pose any risk to your money.

What about sports betting?

Don't get tempted to do that. You can make bets occasionally and within time limits, and your budget does not exceed the money to lose.