Bartlett Government Addresses Gambling Problems

Gambling problems are now becoming a major concern in Australia, especially since the country acknowledges that they seem to have the most number of gamblers in the world.  With this, it also goes to show that they have the highest number of gamblers with gambling problems.  For this reason, steps are now being made to rectify this problem or at least to reduce the increasing numbers.

The New Laws

Tasmania's Bartlett Government is now going to enforce new laws when it comes to casino games.

One, come 9 pm, patrons of public gaming areas will no longer be served any food and alcoholic beverages.  Two, public gaming areas are ordered to brighten up their rooms by improving their light conditions. Three, the gaming industry is ordered to reduce the cash denomination that their machines can take from $10 down to $5.  Four, pubs and casinos as well as clubs will be prohibited to pay out any amount that is higher than $1,000 to gamblers who have won in pokies and keno.  Likewise, gamblers will also be prohibited to cash in cheques from their gambling winnings on the same day that they have received it from any gambling establishment.

The Problems Encountered

Although this new law will surely decrease the dangers posed by gambling, it cannot be denied that it will meet a lot of problems along the way.

There are a lot of poker machines scattered all over Tasmania, and this industry is being monopolized by the Federal Group, a casino and gaming machine operator.  About 30% of these machines are situated in working class areas as well as in communities that are economically challenged, although the Federal Group refuses to share the exact locations of their poker machines.  However, nothing could be done when it comes to reducing the number of these machines because it will go against the contentious deed of agreement made by both the State Government and the Federal Group, despite some very valid arguments that the numbers of poker machines on financially-challenged areas be reduced.

The government might be concerned about the increasing numbers of its citizens suffering from gambling problem and addiction, but when it comes down to addressing the root of the issue, especially reducing the number of poker machines in Tasmania, the government then hides behind the deal it made with the Federal Group.

Although the new laws might reduce the number, it can be said that as long as there are poker machines, there will always be gamblers who will gamble their money away, and as long as the government does not address this issue, their citizens will always be at risk.

TagsBartlett Government, casino games, gamblers, gambling, Gambling problems, poker machines, Tasmania

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