Pokie machines and health warnings

Australians have always had a love affair with the pokie machine, and it continues to be one of the most popular forms of gambling in the country, along with sports betting and online gambling.

In some parts of Australia the pokie machines carry health warnings, like cigarette packets, stating that playing on the machines for long periods of time can cause addiction.

One European country seems to enjoy playing the machines as much as Australians.  Apparently Spaniards are amongst Europes most avid gamblers, and it is estimated that they spend an average of $852 per head each year on the pastime.  Only about one half of this money goes on the countries very popular lotteries, with much of the rest going into gambling machines.

As a result, one area of Spain, Catalonia, will start a scheme similar to some parts of Australia, and the machines will carry a health warning regarding problem gambling.  In some cases the machine may switch itself off if it is used for too long.  Bars will also be required to advertise a 24 hour help service for addicts.

One machine, the “video lottery” will turn itself off after 90 minutes of continual play.  The idea is to make it difficult for the player to continue playing indefinitely, and also to give them time to reflect on the problems continuous play might bring.

There is nothing to stop a player from playing similar machines online, and this is a problem that will be almost impossible to overcome.