With the recent controversy surrounding Australians’ addiction to poker machines, information that the coronavirus lockdown may lead to permanent closures of the machines fuelled some discussion. Problem gamblers who have been hooked on pokies have been reported to be happy that the machines had been switched off because of the Covid-19 shutdown, and many anti-gambling campaigners have shared concern that with health restrictions being relaxed, more and more pokies across the country will be reopened.
Of course, owners of clubs and pubs that host poker machines have gladly welcomed the decision of state authorities to ease the restrictions, as pokies have been known as the major contributor of a massive share of their total revenue. Unfortunately, some recent events have shown that the sector is not exactly ethical, as some poker machine operators have been blamed for using unfair practices to encourage punters to spend more and more money on the machines.
Cate Faehrmann, gambling spokesperson and Greens Member of Parliament, has shared that, according to her, there are other reasons that poker machines should be permanently shut. Ms Faehrmann has explained that venues will do everything possible to attract more customers to their facilities. According to her, poker machines pose a massive risk during coronavirus pandemic and should be switched off permanently as soon as possible.
Quick Reopening of NSW Pokies Poses Both Health Hazards and Problem Gambling Risks
The Greens MP and gambling spokesperson explained that gambling rooms and poker machines across the country are posing a considerable coronavirus infection risks, as people tend to spend hours in a closed space, often moving between the terminals, which increases the risk of infection.
Ms Faehmann has criticised the state of New South Wales (NSW), reminding that other states have decided to delay the reopening of their gaming rooms or have unveiled plans to allow them to gradually open to minimise the risk of spreading the coronavirus infection. NSW authorities, however, have been quick to reopen gambling rooms across the state, allowing them to operate for up to eighteen hours a day. According to the Greens MP, such a quick reopening of poker machines has no social benefit, but there are many harms that could be inflicted to society.
Apart from the chance for poor hygiene that could be associated with the terminals, pokies have been blamed for their addictive nature, with a large number of Australian people finding it hard to control their gambling on the machines. Ms Faehrmann further noted that in case that the Government does not take measured aimed at shutting gambling rooms and poker machines as soon as possible, it would be clear that it is more interested in serving the interests of a powerful gambling lobby than being aimed at protecting the community from both health hazards and the risks associated with gambling addiction.
- Author
Daniel Williams
