Do you support a mandatory limit on pokie machines?

11 Apr 2011
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The plan is designed to help combat problem gambling but the clubs' industry strongly opposes it. (AAP)

The plan is designed to help combat problem gambling but the clubs' industry strongly opposes it. (AAP)

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie wants a mandatory dollar limit, nominated by the user, on pokie machines. The plan is designed to help combat problem gambling but the clubs' industry strongly opposes it. Do you support such a move, or should people be free to spend what they wish on pokie machines?

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Get rid of them

Geoff - from Perth, 4 months ago

I am so very thankful, as most West Australian's are that we don't have pokies in our clubs or pubs. Our sporting clun=bs function fine without, they might not be as glamorous as some in The eastern states, but so what, we function fine with volunteers etc, which is what clubs have always been about. I am sorry but pokies are a stain and embarrasment on our culture. Haveing a drink in most NSW pubs and clubs is so annoying with the clatter and distraction of those awful machines.

Understand the psychology

Cat - from Adelaide, 4 months ago

People need to understand the psychology of pokies. They are addictive because they "reward" (produce an almost instant result - not a prize) people very quickly. Other forms of gambling, while still potentially a problem, do not have the same extreme capacity for addiction. The problems are far greater than the government is ever going to admit - and they are just as addicted to money and power

Ms

Hannah - from Cairns, 4 months ago

Everything that is mandatory is taking away a freedom of choice. Fluoridation our drinking-water is mandatory medication. Mandatory limit on poker-machine gambling yet another government interference with our freedom of choice. Shortly other things will become mandatory as well.. Watch my words! If a government official is allowed to spend 590.000 dollars of our tax-money on "incidentals", they are not the right people to tell us to spend our money wisely!

WHAT ABOUT THE TAB, KENO ?

Mark - from Mascot, 8 months ago

Clubs and Pubs support local community, support local junior sports, support local hospitals, give valuable taxes to state government and especially in country areas employ a significant number of young people otherwise unemployed youths. Will the Federal Gov't fill the void when more than 60% of clubs close. I think not. Why mandate the pokies only, what about TAB, what about online gambling, what about Keno, a problem gambler will always find something to get his fix.

Tax pokies out of ixistance

chris - from brisbane, 8 months ago

i dont understand why goverments dont increase taxes on revenue gained from poker machines to the extent that it would not be viable to have them ,remember the days that the most you could bet was $1 after all the reason they where installed was purely for entertainment,now at $5 a game where $100 can be lost in 1min at your local pub without you even knowing the odds of doubling your money is not entertainment.

Ban one, but there is always an alternative.

Jackie - from Sydney, 8 months ago

Everyone watch out though, the more dangerous avenue for gambliers (or potential gambliers) is available for some time and now becoming more prominent - Online Betting! (Infact while I am typing this the 'betfair' ad is flashing right in front of me!) I am sure all the clubs are quickly switching to secure their funding from these online evils. EVERYONE (including kids) don't even need to get out of their bed to hand over their money. We can ban cigarette ad, why can't we also ban gambling ad?

Still Free to Lose Money

Aaron - from Perth, 8 months ago

"or should people be free to spend what they wish on pokie machines?" That is the worng question. People can still spend as much as they wish, they just have to rationaly think about how much they want to spend first, rather than emotionaly thinking about it whilst they are playing. I support this move.

Yes, I support

Ken - from Melbourne, 8 months ago

Only the clubs are evil enough to profit from the spending of problem gamblers. If problem gamblers set a limit, then there is less profit to the clubs.

institutionalised greed

Russell Vance - from canberra, 8 months ago

Greed is the only motivating factor left in this race to the bottom by the vested interests that rake in billions from those who can least afford it. Long gone are the days of helping ones neighbor - these days it's the greedy and faceless men who get paid millions seeking to encourage problem gambling (because that is where the money is) and opposing anyone who would limit the damage they do. Advertising campaigns that misinform and confuse are now the weapon of choice. Sad.

Dr

The D Santoso - from Petersham, 1 year

As a Good Australians Citizens, we must support MP Andrew Wilkie,'s idea to mandatory dollar limit, nominated by user on poker machines. Due to healthy moral and spiritual being.

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