Experts are worried a state program designed to stop pokie losses is failing.
“YourPlay” is a personal gaming card that gives every machine player the power to track their playing activity over time.
The scheme allows players to set limits of time or money spent and keep track of their own gaming machine play across Victoria.
Despite the initiative, a new report’s found Victorians could be on track to lose more than three-billion dollars for the first time this financial year.
In Ballarat, over thirty-three MILLION dollars has already been poured into pokies since the financial year began in July.
An independent evaluation report on the YourPlay system revealed the scheme had failings, with 23 recommendations handed down for improvements around the need for better communications, promotion and data reporting, increased staff training and stronger regulations.
The Victorian Government states it has committed to working with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation and the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission to implement the recommendations from the evaluation.
