Governments worldwide try to tackle the issue of protecting unsuitable gamblers from themselves. The Victorian Government in Australia has now introduced a new system which is meant to keep the problematic gamblers in check. By setting time and spending limits to the poker machines the government hopes that players will become better aware of just how much they spend on their gaming.

Just how this system will work isn’t clear yet and there is a question on whether it will only be applied to problem gamblers or to all utilizing the machines. The system is also going to include flashing warnings of the effects of problem gambling on the machine as well as tougher fines for under age gambling. Gaming Minister Tony Robinson has presented a plan for the implementation of this system but so far it is not for sure that it will be mandatory.

The limits on the machines will be accompanied by a large government campaign bringing attention to the issue of obsessive gambling. But all of these efforts are receiving a lot of criticism. Since Victoria State makes money from the gambling it is perceived as hypocritical to allow problematic gamblers to continue their gambling at all. It is in fact seen as a way to make controlled use of their addiction. The opposition leader Ted Bailleu has pointed out that since the Victorian budget heavily relies on the money from the gambling this idea should be seen as a warning sign.

The Victorian government has already issued a ban on the automatic teller machines in places with poker machines. This has been enforced in most places but a few that has received permission for exemption. If players are going to welcome these new measures to control gambling remains to see. The smart card technology that will allow players to set their own limits to their gaming might be a great solution for players that don’t really suffer from real obsessive gaming but now that they have a tendency to get carried away. One thing is for sure, the Victorian Government is bound to make a nice income from selling licenses for this new system if and when it will be applied.