Pokies (short for poker machines or slot machines) are deeply ingrained in Australian culture and have played a significant role in the country’s gambling industry since their introduction in the 1950s. Here’s an in-depth look at pokies in Australia:

History of Pokies in Australia

• 1930s-50s: Early Developments

  • Poker machines were first introduced in Australia in New South Wales (NSW) in 1956. Prior to this, gambling was generally limited to horse racing, lotteries, and informal betting.
  • The introduction of poker machines was seen as a way for clubs, especially RSL (Returned and Services League) clubs, to raise revenue. These clubs catered to war veterans and aimed to provide recreational activities and community support.

• 1970s-90s: Expansion Across the Country

  • Following their success in NSW, other Australian states began legalizing poker machines, with Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) following suit. By the 1990s, pokies were present in pubs, clubs, and casinos across most states.
  • The 1990s also saw the rise of more advanced electronic gaming machines (EGMs), which were more appealing to players due to their interactive nature and attractive displays.

Current Landscape of Pokies

• Popularity

  • Pokies are extremely popular in Australia, with over 200,000 machines across the country, making Australia one of the highest per-capita users of slot machines in the world.
  • New South Wales leads in the number of poker machines, with more than half of the country’s total machines located in that state. Victoria and Queensland also have significant numbers.

• Revenue and Impact

  • Pokies generate substantial revenue for state governments through taxation, as well as for clubs and pubs. Some of these funds are directed toward community development and public services.
  • The industry generates billions in revenue annually. For instance, in 2018-2019, Australians lost an estimated $14 billion on poker machines.

Types of Pokies

• Club and Pub Pokies: These are common in social and recreational settings, where they form a central part of the club's revenue structure.
• Casino Pokies: Found in large casinos across cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. These machines are typically more elaborate, with higher betting limits and more variety.
• Online Pokies: While online poker and other forms of online gambling are regulated strictly in Australia, players still have access to offshore casinos offering virtual pokies.

Gambling Regulation

• State Control
  • Gambling, including pokies, is regulated at the state and territory level, resulting in varying laws, machine limits, and tax structures. States like NSW and Queensland have a more liberal approach, while others like Western Australia restrict pokies mainly to casinos.
  • Each state regulates where and how poker machines can be installed, along with limits on bets, payouts, and hours of operation.
• Harm Minimization Policies
  • Australia has seen increasing pressure to implement measures to minimize problem gambling, including setting loss limits, self-exclusion programs, and providing information on responsible gambling.
  • States have adopted policies like pre-commitment systems (where players set a limit on how much they’re willing to spend) and reduced maximum bets to help curb excessive gambling.
  • Some advocate for stricter regulation, as pokies are considered one of the most addictive forms of gambling due to their rapid pace and repetitive nature.