Is The Demise Of Pokies Looming On The Horizon?

Those pokie machines at the corner pub may be a thing of the past. According to latest reports from the 2012 Gaming, Wagering, Racing Australia Conference, online and mobile phones are becoming vehicles of serious threat. It is interesting to note that mobile phone gaming is considered to be more of a threat than online website visits via in- home computers.

During a resent study conducted by Southern Cross University’s Centre for Gambling Education Research, findings indicate that 40 percent of mobile phone users prefer gaming by phone over visiting pubs or other venues: one reason cited is that the majority of pokie machines are currently found in Australia’s 13 casinos, most of which are situated in posh clubs and hotels. Given Australia’s high cost of living, the average person can not afford visits to these venues.

Among many observations cited during the Gaming Conference, the Interactive Gaming Act 2001 was deemed to be in need of serious review. While the act prohibits Australians from participating in games at casinos, the act fails to address participation at online gaming websites. During the conference, one session addressed global internet gaming statistics pertaining to Australia. Statistics reveal $1 billion is being spent by Australian gamers on an estimated 1,000 websites with none of the profits going to Australian coffers. In contrast, nationwide statistics reveal that Australians spend an average of $12 billion per year during pokie machine visits at brick and mortar locations.

To add insult to injury, citing revenues resulting from 20 percent of its subscribers, TabCorp is currently mounting a legal suit demanding $680 million in settlement following the expiration of its licensing agreement with Victoria. As of August 2012, gaming licenses held by this entity will be turned over to local brick and mortar establishments.

Reliable sources maintain Australia’s Parliament proposes to set a maximum wagering limit of $1 per game on pokie machines by 2014. Given the rise in popularity of online and mobile phone gaming, many view this move as a useless effort. Among many reasons for the rise in popularity of internet gaming is that no dress code is required, gaming is available 24/7, and the gamer is in complete control of the experience, not the government.

Of all the findings stemming from the Centre for Gaming Education Research studies, the greatest threat to the demise of pokie machines is posed by one social networking site, Facebook.

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