Slot machines are the single biggest source of gambling losses for Australians, nearly double that of Americans.
Australians lose twice as much as Americans
In Australian suburbs, slot machines are more common than public toilets, ATMs, and post boxes. Worse still, slot machines are the largest source of gambling losses for Australians, nearly double that of Americans. A report states that Australians on average lose 1,635 AUD (1,100 USD), mainly through slot machines and gambling, while Americans lose an average of 809 AUD (544 USD).
Mandatory pre-commitment loss limits are required for online gambling and poker machines
The Grattan Institute's report titled "Better Choices: How Australia Should Prevent Gambling Harm" advocates a dual approach to limit the harms of gambling. The report first insists on banning gambling advertisements, then calls for mandatory pre-commitment loss limits on online gambling and poker machines. The report further demands a reduction in the number of poker machines available in each state over several years.
Grattan Institute CEO Aruna Sathanapally said: "Australia has let the gambling industry run rampant, costing gamblers, their families, and society at large. Gambling products are designed to be addictive, and the consequences can be disastrous: unemployment, bankruptcy, broken relationships, domestic violence, and even suicide. It's time for our politicians to stand up against the powerful gambling lobby and regulate the industry."
The government avoids a total ban
The government is prepared to take various measures to protect Australians, including reducing the number of gambling ads. However, despite suggestions by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, the government has yet to decide on a total ban on gambling ads and enticements.
Instead, the proposal submitted to the cabinet is a partial ban, namely eliminating online gambling ads during children's TV programs and sports broadcasts (including one hour before and after), with a limit of two per hour at other times. Due to network contracts, these TV restrictions will not be implemented for two years.
But Sathanapally does not think a partial ban is sufficient. She hopes to set loss limits as a "safety belt to prevent gambling harm." Sathanapally said: "This will prevent people from suffering catastrophic losses—because no one should lose their home or life to gambling."
Geographical location determines loss rates
Grattan researchers found that the placement of slot machines might be the biggest risk factor faced by Australians. While similar countries mostly place high-impact, high-loss slot machines in casinos, Australia's are "spread across suburbs and towns, increasing the risk of harm."
The report found: "About 93% of Australia's 185,000 slot machines are located outside of casinos. Suburban slot machines are more common than ATMs, mailboxes, or public toilets."
The problem is even more severe in impoverished communities, where the number of slot machines is equivalent to "the total number of slot machines in other parts of Australia." The report notes: "Residents of the poorest fifth of communities in New South Wales lose an average of 1,524 AUD (1,025 USD) per year on slot machines, while the wealthiest fifth lose an average of 922 AUD (620 USD) per year."
