Later Hours, Higher Stakes: Research Suggests Link Between Extended Pokies Times and Problem Gambling
A new report out of Australia has reignited the debate surrounding gambling regulations, specifically focusing on the potential harms associated with extended operating hours for gaming machines, commonly known as "pokies."
The report, compiled by an independent panel and set for public release soon, analyzed data from Liquor and Gaming NSW, which showed a stark discrepancy in profits between hotels with standard operating hours and those granted extensions. In metropolitan areas, establishments with extended gambling hours saw gaming machine profits nearly double those with standard schedules.
This finding coincided with research conducted by Roy Morgan, a leading market research company. Using data collected by STRS Consultant Services, statistician Matthew Stevens, who worked on the study, stated unequivocally, “It was really, really clear. There really isn’t much demand at all [for gambling venues to be open after midnight] and the demand that is there is from people at the higher end of problem gambling."
The report’s authors propose a radical shift in gambling regulations. Their draft suggests implementing a system where every player would need to set up a personal gaming account linked to a centralized database. This system would include default spending limits that players could adjust or override, but the aim is to introduce a crucial element of control.
Stevens underscored the potential efficacy of this approach, stating, “But if you bring in gambling cards with set limits, it doesn’t matter when venues are open. They can be open 24 hours because once people hit that limit, they can’t gamble any more.”
The panel’s findings have sparked debate across Australia, with casino operators and gambling advocacy groups weighing in on the proposed changes. As the report prepares for public release, the future of gambling regulations in Australia remains uncertain.
This research raises crucial questions about the impact of extended gambling hours on individuals and communities. It also highlights the potential for preventative measures, such as spending limits and personalized account systems, to mitigate the risks associated with problem gambling. While the specific details of the Australian report’s recommendations remain to be seen, its findings could have significant implications for gambling regulations both in Australia and internationally.
