Under a new Private Member’s proposed bill, virtual casino machines would be banned after midnight, and before midday.
Lawmaker Nick Xenophon maintains that virtual casino machines that are open in the early hours of morning represent a significant problem for problem gamblers.
“My first preference is to have [the virtual casino machines] closed 24 hours a day, but this will at least be a significant step in the right direction,” Mr. Xenophon said yesterday.
He continued, “All the evidence points to the early hours after midnight or the early hours of the morning as having an incredibly high level of problem gambling. The hours combined with alcohol are a potent mix for fuelling gambling addiction.”
Gambling Minister Michael Wright said that the Independent Gambling Authority is looking into reforming its Code of Practice. The organization is considering, for example, prohibiting the serving of alcohol to those who are playing on virtual machine machines. It is also looking into possibly instituting mandatory breaks in play and common closing times.
According to gambling experts, problem gamblers are likely to “chase losses” into the early hours of morning. Virtual casino machines, which often do not close, are extremely problematic for these people.
Tags: gambling addiction, virtual casino, virtual machine
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