Australia’s Growing Poker Machine Crisis
Author:
Jacob McKenzie
In a shocking revelation, Australians faced a total loss of $14.5 billion to poker machines in the previous fiscal year. New South Wales (NSW) carried the majority of this, recording over half of the total losses. To put these figures into perspective, they don’t even include losses from casinos or other forms of gambling, such as sports or horse racing. Comparing this data to the pre-COVID era, it’s evident that these losses have now overtaken the totals of 2018-19, which was the last undisturbed year.
After it’s been revealed that Australians lost a massive $14.5 billion on slot machines over the previous financial year, political and social pressure on the industry is mounting.
?igorovsyannykov/Pixabay
The Alliance for Gambling Reform’s study has spotlighted the rapid escalation in poker machine losses. However, it’s not just about the numbers. Health professionals are increasingly concerned about the addictive designs of these machines, specifically tailored to ensure extended play and encourage higher spending.
On a global scale, Australia’s association with poker machines is both staggering and concerning. Despite housing less than 0.5% of the world’s population, the nation boasts 20% of the global poker machines. What’s even more surprising is that 80% of machines found outside of casinos are situated within Australia. These alarming statistics highlight the urgency and magnitude of the issue.
Residents of NSW are feeling the most significant strain, registering a loss of $8.07 billion. This staggering figure marks a 23.7% increase from the losses reported in 2018-19. Meanwhile, other Australian states mirror this troubling trend, showing substantial spikes in poker machine-related losses.
Regulation and the Need for Change
Carol Bennett, the CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, articulates her concerns with clarity and urgency. She underscores the desperate need for more rigid regulations in the gambling sector. Emphasizing the extensive societal impact induced by gambling, Bennett advocates for immediate and impactful measures.
An official government report from 2017 already sounded the alarm about electronic gaming machines (EGMs). This report put the lens on the compulsive nature of EGMs, pointing to their intricate designs as the primary culprit. However, the current NSW government for their lackluster response and their limited experimentation with cashless gaming cards is making the matter worse.
The conversation around poker machines isn’t merely about the financial repercussions. The overarching narrative goes deep into the societal, psychological, and ethical implications of these machines. As the losses continue to rise for customers, the call for stricter regulations and industry introspection becomes all the more necessary. With politicians like Bennett at the forefront, many hope to see transformative changes in the near future.
Impact on the Broader Australian Society
The staggering loss figures paint a bleak picture, but they barely scratch the surface. The ripple effects of such losses permeate deeper into society, leading to family disruptions, mental health challenges, and even increased crime rates in some areas. This broader societal impact can’t be ignored and needs to be addressed holistically.
While the spotlight often remains on the financial figures, it’s essential to understand the human cost behind them. Gambling research firms have made extensive inroads into discovering the net profitability of gambling, whilst considering the impact on the social welfare system.
The gambling industry, especially poker machine operators, finds itself at a crossroads. They must now decide whether to prioritize profits or to take a more ethical and responsible approach. With mounting pressure from both the public and the government, it’s hoped that the right choices will be made.
