VOICED : Australia gambles on move

Australia has around 200,000 electronic poker machines, known as Pokies, which are prevalent in bars, pubs, clubs, and casinos. While they offer entertainment, they also pose a risk of addiction, with gamblers potentially losing over $1000 an hour. To combat this, a new government scheme encourages players to set time or money limits on their gambling. This involves registering for a card that tracks spending and prompts users when they reach their limit. However, the precommitment remains voluntary, leading to criticism from anti-gambling campaigners who argue it's ineffective. Additional measures, like cash withdrawal limits at ATMs, are also being considered, but the success of these initiatives remains uncertain in a nation fond of gambling.

What is the main concern associated with the widespread presence of Pokies in Australia?

• They contribute to addiction and financial ruin.

• They are too expensive to maintain.

• They are illegal in most states.

• They are not popular among the public.

What does the new government scheme encourage gamblers to do?

• Share their winnings with others.

• Avoid using electronic poker machines.

• Set limits on time or money spent on slot machines.

• Play more frequently.

What technology must be fitted to all gambling machines by next year according to new legislation?

• Biometric authentication.

• Facial recognition technology.

• Cashless payment systems.

• Precommitment technology.

Why do anti-gambling campaigners believe the voluntary precommitment scheme is ineffective?

• People do not recognize their own addiction.

• It requires too much personal information.

• It is too expensive to implement.

• It is mandatory for all players.

What additional measure is mentioned to help control gambling?

• Banning all electronic poker machines.

• Mandatory counseling sessions for players.

• Cash withdrawal limits at ATMs in clubs.

• Increased taxes on winnings.