Cashless Poker Machines – A Way to Tackle Problem Gambling

Poker machines or slot machines are such a fun way to gamble! Easy to use and entertaining, so it is not a surprise that they are very popular among people who wager. However, these are also the qualities that makes people lose track of their gaming. But a new solution, being cashless poker machines, are here to tackle this problem!

We have to face the facts: no matter what their original purpose is, wagering forms tend to develop problem gambling in people. It is supposed to be something exciting, something amusing, that gives you the possibility to make some extra money. But people – just like with many other things – tend to go to the other extreme with it, and generate gambling problems for themselves. There are several solutions against this practice, like the Problem Gambling Research Fund in Gibraltar. Or the Problem Gambling Bill in New York, but we could also mention the problem gambling solutions in Australia. And now, New South Wales made its own steps with cashless poker machines.

Harmful gambling in Australia

Residents have several online gambling sites in Australia, like King Billy Casino, so if anyone wishes to do some wagering, they have an easy thing. According to data provided by Wikipedia, many Australians, over 80% engage in some kind of gambling. This is sadly the highest rate in the whole world. “This number includes some 4% of the adult population who play the pokies once a week, accounting for some 62% of locals’ annual gambling spend. (…) Gambling is a significant public health issue, with around 80,000 to 160,000 (or 0.5 – 1.0%) of Australian adults experiencing significant problems from gambling and a further 250,000 to 350,000 (or 1.4 – 2.1% of adults) experiencing moderate risks that may make them vulnerable to problem gambling.”

And this is why they need solutions pretty bad. But now, the cashless poker machines – or as the majority of the world calls them; slot machines – can be game changers.

Cashless Poker Machines

So now, you can see why Australia had to come up with some kind of solution. As Daily Mail reported, there is a club in Newcastle (NSW), that will be the first to introduce the cashless poker machines. Their goal – besides protecting gambling addicts – is to stop criminals and tax dodgers laundering money. For problem gamblers, they will have several measures, like including limits on money and also on session times. They will also have options on information and real-time messaging between customers and marshals. The trial of these machines will begin in September – as they announced on 24^thMay. It is the Aristocrat Gaming and Wests Newcastle. This will, of course only help gamers who play in land-based casinos. However, there are several online casinos in Australia, like King Billy Casino. That is where they still need some steps to be taken.

Thoughts on cashless poker machines

Minister Victor Dominello welcomed this development, since money laundering is a great issue in Australia. As such, he said, it would “help us combat the twin sins of money laundering and problem gambling, addressing the key concerns of the Bergin Inquiry.” Mitchell Bowen, is the CEO of Aristocrat Gaming and the Chief Transformation Officer. Ont he topic, he said: “Aristocrat believes that enabling cashless payment solutions is an innovation that may help enhance the long-term sustainability and vibrancy of our industry.” Phil Garner, the CEO of Wests Newcastle also commented the development. “A powerful new suite of responsible digital tools will empower our members and allow them to set limits, speak to a staff member, or even exclude themselves from the club.” And that is something that sounds promising! Let us all hope it will give the same thrill to gamblers, so they will keep on using this tool!

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