POKIES COST CUTTING MAY DOUBLE PROBLEM GAMBLING

An outspoken anti-pokies campaigner says the proposal by some pokies vendors to reconfigure their machines so they don’t accept any $5 note will drive gamblers to make higher bets and get them into even more trouble.

It was revealed in today’s Sunday Telegraph that vendors were considering this option because it would be too costly to modify slot machines so they can accept the new $5 note, one vendor felt it would be "easier if they’re reconfigured so they don’t accept any $5 notes".

"If pokies do not accept $5 notes, which is the lowest value denomination, then it may force many to, in effect, double their bet to $10, the next denomination up" said Fairfield Councillor Thang Ngo.

"Pokies of some of the largest clubs and pubs do not accept coins so this means the minimum credit accepted would also double to $10 – and this could double the number of problem gamblers.

In addition, some clubs and pubs do not allow patrons to take back any part of their credits in the pokies unless they call an attendant, who issues a credit note for redemption at the cashier according to Cr Ngo.

"This applies even if they want to get 1c back from the machine, so it encourages you to use all the credit you’ve fed into the pokies," he said.

"I’m disappointed that some very profitable pokies vendors have proposed this irresponsible idea rather than shoulder the cost to upgrade their pokies to accept the new $5 note.

"When it comes to pokies, it seems the odds are firmly against the punters".