I would just like to point out that the business model of a Pub or Club must be significantly broken if they can't stay float and turn a profit without needing the money raised from their poker machines.
It seems hypocritical that Pubs, Clubs and the state government for that matter say that they want to help problem gamblers, when they pocket so much money from it. I tip my hat off to those Pubs and Clubs that don't have any pokies.
I don't know if a mandatory pre-commitment system will work, but surely anything that will help problem gamblers stop wasting money on these machines has to be a benefit to community.
If you have a problem gambling, please phone 'Gambling Help' on 1800 858 858 or visit their website Gambling Help.
Some facts from their website:
- Over one-fifth (20%) of the world's electronic gaming machines are in Australia.
- In 1999-2000 State governments reaped $4.39 billion from all forms of gambling.
- In 2000-2001, Queenslanders spent over $2.1 billion on gambling. Electronic gaming machines were by far the most popular gambling activity, accounting for approximately 48% of total gambling expenditure.
