Out of sight, out of mind: fighting problem-gambling in Australia

Garance Limouzy July 4, 2024

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Out of sight, out of mind: fighting problem-gambling in Australia

In Australia, new innovative measures to protect players from problem gambling are being implemented or advocated. Two of these measures are the implementation of a win-loss balance display and the regulation of ATM availability near gaming machines.

The win-loss balance display

Rejoicing over how much one has won, while conveniently neglecting to account for losses or even the initial betting amounts – every gambler has done it. Those days are over, says Jake Minear, an Australian businessman who wants to revolutionise the Australian betting industry. He advocates for the obligation for bookmakers to display the win-loss balance of each bettor. This would enable players to keep track of their spendings at all times. Each player account would record weekly, monthly, and annual wins and losses.

Although advocates for this change claim that it would effectively protect players from gambling-related harm without affecting businesses, studies show that players who receive an activity statement are more likely to bet smaller sums, albeit by only approximately 5 to 7 percent. According to various studies, despite the reduction in betting amounts, there was no decrease in the number of bets or the time spent gambling.

Jake Minear’s proposal goes even further. In his proposal, he wrote: “I also believe that, mandatory within the apps, the facilitator should be obliged to provide controls. To that end, the user could then easily enter, and effectively ‘lock-in’, the limits they want to set per week, month, or year. So, hypothetically, the user could easily say ‘I want to set a maximum betting exposure of $50 per week, for the next 6 months’.”

The independent MP Zoe Daniel and various members of the public who advocate for safer gambling practices back up Minear’s proposal.

*Image extracted from Jake Minear’s proposal.*

ATM Availability

In New South Wales, venues such as pubs or clubs with gambling machines are now required to comply with new regulations. ATM machines are not to be visible from the gaming machines and are to be at least 5 meters away from the gaming area. In gaming areas, any sign pointing in the direction of the ATM will not be allowed. Operators can no longer advertise gambling on ATM or EFTPOS terminals.

“Having cash dispensing facilities further away from gaming machines encourages a clean break in play for patrons who may be losing track of what they are spending,” explained the Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris.

Venues with more than 20 gaming machines will also have to fulfil some special requirements, such as training or hiring a Responsible Gambling Officer who will be able to identify problem-gambling behaviours and know how to support those who demonstrate those traits.

“We’ll be monitoring compliance in these areas closely to see if we need to look at strengthening harm minimisation laws even further,” declared David Harris.