Brimbank will miss out on a trial pre-commitment scheme for problem gamblers, despite its status as the state’s biggest loser.
Star Weekly revealed earlier this month Brimbank has been the state’s biggest pokies loser for the past seven years, exceeding the second-worst suburb, Wyndham, by almost $50 million.
State government initiative YourPlay will run at 14 venues across the state, with punters signing up for a swipe card that allows them to set limits. The program also issues reminders and tracks how much time and money the punter is spending on gaming machines.
Punters get a warning message once their time or money has reached a pre-determined limit, and can access their own information and set limits at a venue or online using their phone, computer or tablet.
“If a player wants to continue playing past the limit they have set for themselves, they still can,” a government spokesman said. “Players who don’t want to set a limit can use the cards to track their play.”
The system, an Australian first, will link all Victorian gaming machines and venues so punters can record their spending regardless of location.
The trial involves 100 volunteer punters at 14 venues over the next three months, including at Footscray, Altona and Newport. A government spokesman said venues volunteered for selection.
From December, all Victorian gaming machines must offer players the option of using the system.
Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Jane Garrett said the scheme would encourage a culture of responsible gambling.
