Australian Greens Leader, Senator Bob Brown, and Greens spokesperson for gambling, Senator Richard Di Natale, today announced an alternative policy for pokie reform that removes the need for mandatory pre-commitment.

“The Greens’ policy is a simple, targeted and cheap alternative to mandatory pre-commitment,” said Senator Di Natale. “Rather than fitting mandatory pre-commitment technology to all ‘high-intensity’ machines, the Greens policy would result in ‘low-intensity’ machines only.”

‘Low-intensity’ machines would have a $1 limit on bets, a $20 limit on the amount of cash that can be loaded in at any one time and a $500 limit on jackpots.

These limits would rein in potential losses from $1200 an hour to an average of around $100. Poker machines would be more in line with other forms of entertainment.

“88% of recreational gamblers don’t bet more than $1 per spin so most punters won't even notice the change.”

“Industry should be pleased because they claim that mandatory pre-commitment would cost up to $5 billion and require a 'license to punt'.

Under this policy those criticisms no longer apply.

“The Greens’ policy would hurt less and help so much more.”

Media contact: Andrew Blyberg 0457 901 600

Fact sheet attached below.