Australians reluctant to take part in cashless gambling trial
Date: 2024-09-06 Author: Leon Pierce Categories: EVENTS
The problem of huge financial losses of the population on slot machines has long been discussed in Australia. Many agree that changes are needed, but specific solutions have not yet found widespread support. While many responsible gambling initiatives have already been introduced, some of them are met with scepticism.
Cashless gaming trial fails
National self-exclusion programs from gambling and a ban on the use of credit cards in such games have been hailed as important achievements. However, other measures, such as a partial ban on gambling advertising on television and a trial of a cashless betting system, have caused disappointment.
Recent data from New South Wales showed that the cashless gaming trial has not attracted much attention. Only 200 people signed up to participate, and only 32 of them actively used the new system. These low numbers have led to criticism of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government, which has been accused of poor organisation and implementation.
The ruling party had aimed to replace the previous government’s plans to make cashless slot machines mandatory by 2028. However, the problems with the experiment are more technical than a lack of interest among the population. Users have noted that the cashless payment technology has proven inconvenient and “unsuitable” for use.
The opposition has seized on the results of the experiment, accusing the government of a complete failure of the initiative. Many have seen the experiment as an insult to families suffering from the effects of gambling addiction.
Government in trouble
The cashless experiment is not the only problem the government faces. Discussions on creating a national gambling regulator that could oversee operators across the country have stalled, and it is unclear whether the idea will be implemented.
At the same time, the government has come under double criticism for its reluctance to impose a full ban on gambling advertising on television. The Australian Medical Association has expressed the view that even a partial ban would be ineffective.
There have been recent media reports that the government has caved to pressure and agreed to a ban on advertising, but Prime Minister Albanese has denied these rumours, stating that his government has no plans to take such steps.
Despite all this, major companies continue to strengthen their presence in the Australian market. BlueBet and PointsBet, for example, have closed their operations in the US and are focusing on the Australian market, which speaks to the importance of this industry in the country.
