The Gaming Technologies Association (GTA), an industry body representing the interests of domestic and international gaming machine manufacturers in Australia, has accused Australian anti-gambling politicians of falsely questioning the integrity of local slot machine manufacturers amid a push to tighten gambling restrictions.
Senator Nick Xenophon and Independent MP Andrew Wilkie are leading a renewed push for gambling reform in the wake of the recent federal election, including limiting slot machines – known locally as poker machines – to maximum AU$1 bets and AU$120 losses in a bid to curb problem gambling.
But GTA Chief Executive Ross Ferrar said the pair has deliberately distorted the truth about the nature of slot machines, claiming the proposed bet limits would hurt the gaming industry more than it would help problem gamblers.
“A number of statements have adding that been made in recent days which represent a clear challenge to the integrity of our industry and which are quite simply incorrect,” Ferrar said.
“The gaming industry, community and government have been working together for many years to create a properly regulated and responsible industry.
“Poker machines are a legitimate leisure activity that many Australians enjoy responsibly. Let’s stick to the facts. Australia has one of the most stringent regulatory environments for poker machines in the world. Regulators impose comprehensive conditions on every aspect of poker machine design and operation.
“To be clear, State Government regulations in Australia expressly prohibit ‘near miss’ machines and there is no disguising the outcome of any bet. Machines clearly display one of two possible outcomes – a win or a loss – for each and every bet.
Nick Xenophon
“Bet limits in Australia are among the lowest and play speed the slowest in the world.”
Poker machines have traditionally been a highly divisive issue in Australia, particularly in NSW where almost 100,000 machines populate its many pubs and clubs. Nevada is the only state in the world with more.
A 2010 study by the Productivity Commission found that around 600,000 Australians play poker machines at least once a week with between 95,000 and 115,000 of these classified as problem gamblers. It recommended slashing the current maximum bet limit from AU$5-$10 to AU$1 among a raft of other measures.
But while the recommendation has been applauded by some, others have questioned the effectiveness of betting limits in combating problem gambling. There is also strong opposition to restrictions that would impact 100 percent of players rather than just the 15 percent it aims to help – a similar argument that has dominated debate over Sydney’s controversial “lockout laws” which restricts the times patrons can enter licensed premises in the CBD at night.
The GTA claims that the cost of transitioning Australia’s gaming machines would total AU$3.6 billion with around 64 percent of all machines needing to be replaced.
“The question must be asked, who is going to meet this cost?” Ferrar said. “Access to direct support and counseling is the best and most effective way to help people with gambling issues. The GTA strongly supports initiatives to direct greater effort in this area.”
