It is estimated that the average daily losses on pokie machines in New Zealand exceed US$ 2.19 million and yesterday a ‘Gamble-Free Day’ was being promoted to emphasise responsible gambling and highlight problems caused by gambling. The response was limited, with most people of the opinion that gambling should be a matter of personal choice. Operators in New Zealand, however, are getting no personal choice when it comes to the new laws on pop-ups on pokie screens.

From 1 October 2005 all new machines will have to be installed with on-screen messages telling gamblers how long they have been playing and how much they have won or lost. All other machines will have to display the same message by 1 July 2009, and one suspects that many operators will be in no hurry to replace existing machines until figures start to emerge on the effect the new rules have on play. Local operators have criticized the law, which will be enforced in casinos, pubs and clubs.

The on-screen messages must be displayed every half-hour and halt play for 15 seconds, or longer if the player requires. 15 seconds may not seem like very long but it is a serious interruption to the flow of play, which of course is the government intention. New gaming regulations, including the NZ$20 limit for banknotes used for slot machines, and the ban on smoking are already taking their toll on gaming revenues in the country. The mandatory on-screen messages will compound the downturn, and it may be some time before it becomes clear whether the government’s new initiatives have any positive long-term effect on limiting gambling addiction. (E-09.02.05)

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