New NSW study on late-night poker machine play

A new study from Roy Morgan Research shows a significant link between late-night poker machine gamblers and problematic gambling behaviour.

Titled The Impact of Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) Late Night Play on EGM Player Behaviours, the study also found that almost two thirds of people playing poker machines beween 2am and 8am experience negative consequences.

The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority responded to the findings warmly saying that this has been an issue it has been particularly concerned about “for some time.”

“As part of our statutory obligation to minimise gaming related harm, ILGA will make use of the study’s conclusions to inform future decisions,” said ILGA chairperson Caroline Lamb.

“ILGA has implemented a number of measures to minimise gambling harm and address concerns about applications that increase the availability of gaming machines after midnight. 

“We have developed Guideline 16 to help gaming venues reduce gambling harm after midnight and foster the responsible conduct of gambling. 

“This includes a preference that all gaming related applications are required to be accompanied by a gaming plan of management that contains a raft of measures designed to support licensees to minimise gambling relating harm in venues. 

“ILGA also imposes licence conditions on gaming-related applications to mitigate risk of gambling-related harm.” 

The study was funded by the NSW Government’s Responsible Gambling Fund, with support from Liquor & Gaming NSW.