Gambling has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, but in recent decades, technology has made it possible to gamble in new and more accessible ways. One form of gambling is pokies, slot machines, or electronic gaming machines.
Pokies have become increasingly popular but also increasingly controversial due to their potential for harm to individuals and communities. As a result, many countries are coming up with new regulations to curb the harm of pokies. In New Zealand, the government is considering new regulations for pokies to reduce gambling-related harm and promote responsible gambling.
In this article, we will explore the current situation, the proposed changes, and the potential impact of new pokies regulations in New Zealand.
Current Situation
Pokies are found in bars, clubs, and other venues in New Zealand and are operated by charitable trusts. They are a significant source of revenue for these organizations but also a source of harm to many individuals and communities.
There are approximately 18,000 pokies in New Zealand, with an estimated total loss of over $800 million per year. The current regulation of pokies is minimal, with limited restrictions on their availability and operation. This has led to criticism from health and welfare organizations, who argue that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable people from the harm caused by pokies.
Proposed New Regulations
The New Zealand government has proposed new regulations for pokies to reduce their harm. The key changes include the following:
- Reducing the number of pokies.
- Limiting their hours of operation.
- Introducing new player protections such as mandatory pre-commitment and limiting the maximum bet.
These changes are based on the evidence of best practices in other countries and the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group on Gambling.
Reducing the Number of Pokies
One of the key changes proposed by the government is to reduce the number of pokies. This will be achieved by not renewing licenses for some pokies and limiting the number of new licenses that can be issued.
The aim of reducing the number of pokies is to make them less accessible, particularly to vulnerable people, and to reduce the overall harm caused by pokies.
Limiting Hours of Operation
Another proposed change is to limit the hours of operation for pokies. This will mean that pokies will only be available during certain hours of the day and night, reducing the opportunity for gambling to occur continuously. This change is based on evidence from other countries that shows that limiting the availability of pokies can reduce the harm caused by gambling.
Mandatory Pre-Commitment
Mandatory pre-commitment is a system where players must limit the amount of money they are prepared to lose before playing poker. This will help players to manage their gambling better and reduce the risk of harm. The mandatory pre-commitment system will be introduced gradually, starting with a voluntary system, before becoming mandatory for all players.
Limiting Maximum Bet
The government has also proposed to limit the maximum bet on pokies for all casinos in New Zealand. This will mean that players can spend only a certain amount of money per spin, reducing the risk of harm caused by excessive gambling. This change is based on evidence from other countries that shows that limiting the maximum bet can reduce the harm caused by gambling.
Mandatory Training
Another important aspect of the new pokies’ regulation is the mandatory training for venue staff. The government proposes that all venue staff be trained in responsible gambling practices and harm reduction measures. This will help to ensure that venue staff are equipped to provide support and information to players and to intervene if they identify problem gambling behavior.
Impact of the New Pokies Regulations
The impact of the new pokies regulation in New Zealand is expected to be significant. The reduction in pokies and the introduction of player protections are expected to reduce the harm caused by pokies, particularly for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Charitable trusts that rely on pokies for revenue may be affected, but the government is committed to supporting them to transition to other forms of fundraising. Also, the introduction of mandatory pre-commitment and limiting the maximum bet is expected to reduce excessive gambling and improve player safety.
Conclusion
The proposed changes to pokies regulation in New Zealand are based on evidence of best practices and aim to reduce the harm caused by pokies. The changes are expected to impact individuals and communities positively, but there may be some challenges as the industry adjusts.
Nevertheless, the government is committed to ensuring that pokies are regulated to minimize harm and protect the most vulnerable people in society. Implementing these regulations will be an ongoing process. The government will continue to monitor their impact and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that the goals of reducing harm and protecting the public are met.