One solution to the problem would be to re-introduce mechanical, single coin, 5 cent machines and make them the only ones that are legal.

The gamblers could play all day and all night and it would be physically impossible for them to loose what can now be lost in a few minutes.

Of course the 'Poker Machine Palaces' wouldn't be able to make such huge profits, but who cares apart from the club bludgers?

http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/99d3b5096368c2e9ca2569de002842b7?OpenDocument

Please refer to the above last productivity report on gambling and its social effects. While it may be dated, the figures haven't changed much. The number of problem gamblers is 1/40 adults not 1/8. And while it is a significant problem, exaggerating the figures does the argument no good.

Given that the effects of the Footy tax will be so severe on clubs, it makes sense that a trial run is done in a couple of clubs and areas to determine whether it actually makes a difference, and what the consequences are. If it improves the community then it should be rolled out, if not it should be ditched.

This legislation is not based on any deep seated labor convictions or policies, only on a need to stay in power. To this end the voters will punish labor accordingly.

Hehe, runner said bondage.

Belly,
I agree that pokies should never have been allowed in pubs and that there are problem gamblers. Yes pokie addiction can be a problem for a minority of people. Do we need to address that, and how, is a seperate question to the governments delima.

The politics of the situation is whether the government has the guts to call Wilkies bluff or if he is indeed bluffing. Can they water down his demands to the extent that the wrath of the club/pub industry, and their patrons, will not be too severe?

The next months will be interesting

Banjo I address you, and the other bloke,with advice first to is mise the link in my post above puts some think like but not as harsh as that.
Let us three debate Australian Politics as it is today, we can include American too.
This thread is a great place to do it, the thread has been twisted like a kids lolly snake.
Politics taints every thing.
Can we agree Liberals will win the next election.
Can we too blame a hung Parliament in part for the lost nature of this country's politics
PS we left our bias at the door.
From the massive smack in the mouth of the 1975 rejection by the Australian people, duely earned, Labor came back stronger.
Is it not likely post Gillard it will again, in ma be two terms.
Given Abbott's lack of direction it may be he will have one term.
What ever.
Should he, as is the case in NSW be stalled at every possible chance.
Do we agree if Wilkie and Xenophon along with the independents supported Liberal government, they would be considered hero's?
Gentlemen I look for understanding from you both.
Consider this post this thread the one history judges us by.
It may take two posts.
Do you? consider Wilkie and Xenophon are just being products of unwed parents?
Is there room in your mind to see just a chance they unlike Labor Unlike Liberal can act without fear of power and donations on behalf of the victims?
More next post.

Now I am not trying to be rude or cruel.
But one blokes answers seem uninformed even the link provided proves my point not his.
POKER MACHINE nothing else, Australian productivity figures in my link say.
5 BILLION OF THE TWELVE BILLION lost on them comes from problem gamblers.
This subject need not have become a club to bash Labor.
It is far to important for that.
Our country, thanks to Tony Abbott and those who follow his do nothing policy is forever no longer the land of mate ship.
A tap has been turned on driven by lies and it can never be turned off.
Labor will grow strangely more from Abbott's efforts in the short term but it will not be hamstrung by greens ON its return.
Any one care to base a defense of poker machines on truth.
That other bloke? IF MATE you do think it is a tax on footy I true, say sorry, for years I took it I was debating some one with an IQ in double figures.