Minister for Gaming Shane Rattenbury has released a discussion paper outlining the proposed changes for community consultation.
“The ACT Government has an ambitious program of reducing harm from poker machines, while supporting the sustainability of community clubs,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“As part of our commitment to reduce gambling harm in our community, the ACT Government has committed to lower the bet limit on ACT poker machines from $10 to $5 and to introduce a $100 load-up limit.
“Reducing the bet limit to $5 will halve the amount of money a person could theoretically spend and lose in one hour of play from $12,000 to $6,000.
“Currently, ACT law does not set a credit limit for electronic gaming machines operating in the ACT. In practice, ACT electronic gaming machines have a credit limit of either $10,000, $7,500 or $5,000.
“These changes will slow down the speed at which money can be spent and lost by a person when playing a poker machine. The new credit limit will also introduce breaks in play that may allow a person to reconsider whether they want to keep spending and losing money on the pokies.
“To ensure the most cost-effective roll out this reform, we propose a ‘central monitoring system (CMS)’, which is an IT system that connects gaming machines to a network to allow for their monitoring and control.”
A CMS has been identified as the preferred approach after the ACT Government sought independent external advice on the most efficient and effective method to implement bet and load up limits.
“A CMS can also deliver other benefits, including enhanced monitoring and control of poker machines, improved oversight for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing purposes, and reduced administrative burden for both clubs and government,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“Initial estimates suggest installation costs for this system of $11-18 million.
“In 2018-19, nearly $2 billion was spent on poker machines by the ACT Community, with $166.9 million retained by venues after paying out winnings. In that context, we believe a sustainable path can be agreed to fund this transition.”
The ACT Government will meet with licensed gaming machine operators, the Community Clubs Ministerial Advisory Council and harm reduction advocates with the discussion focusing on detailed implementation, further development of cost models, and how the transition should be managed.
“We know this change will also impact the broader community, so we encourage people to get involved in the conversation. Community feedback on the proposal will help shape reform to the laws covering poker machines in the Territory,” Minister Rattenbury said.
The Discussion Paper is available on the YourSay website until 3 June 2022. The ACT Government will be introducing a draft bill as part of the consultation process.
This initiative progresses a commitment of the Parliamentary Agreement of the 10th Legislative Assembly by the ACT Labor-Greens Government.
Support for those impacted by gambling can be found through the ACT Gambling Support Service on telephone 1800 858 858 or online at gamblinghelpline.org.au.
