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.

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