Gamblers to Set Their Own Limits
23 July 2015 at 9:51 am
In an Australian-first, by the end of this year all Victorian electronic gaming machines will be required to offer users the option to set a pre-determined gambling limit.
In announcing the scheme, called YourPlay, the Andrews Government said that it would create a culture of responsible gambling in Victoria.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Jane Garrett, said people can sign up for a swipe card that will allow them to set their own limits, set reminders and track how much time and money they are spending on gaming machines.
Garrett said the voluntary system would give players a warning message once their time or money had reached its pre-determined limit. Players will also be able to access their own information and set limits at a venue or online using their phone, computer or tablet.
“For the first time people will be able to walk into a gaming venue anywhere in the state and control how much time and money they want to spend,” Garrett said.
“It’s a voluntary system which gives Victorians more options to help them stay in control of their spending on gaming machines.”
For the next three months, the scheme will be trialled with 100 selected participants at 14 venues across Victoria, at Abbotsford, Altona, Bendigo, Brunswick, Caulfield South, Dandenong, Hampton, Footscray, Geelong, and Newport.
By December, the Government said all gaming machines in Victoria must offer players the option of using the pre-commitment system.
A statement issued by the Victorian Opposition said the previous Coalition Government had already begun the implementation of voluntary pre-commitment to gaming venues and this system was due to be in place by the end of 2015.
“Pre-commitment will allow players to set time and or loss limits and obtain information about their play,” former Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation, Edward O’Donohue, said in August 2013.
“Most players set limits on their gambling before they play, but many find it difficult to adhere to these self-imposed limits once they are at the gaming machine.
“Research has shown that many players underestimate the amount they spend on gambling and may not accurately perceive the odds of winning. Pre-commitment helps players track how much gambling is costing them.”
