Today the Independent Gambling Authority holds an inquiry into the impact of poker machines on problem gamblers. I’m interested in the evidence they collect at this inquiry as I plan to introduce legislation to ban poker machines designed to attract problem gamblers

Poker machines such as Dolphin Treasure and Island Dreaming encourage problem gamblers to keep playing with ‘bonus’ features such as ‘free spins’. These so-called bonus features lead gamblers to think they are getting something for nothing. It’s illusory as payout rates are no different to any other poker machine at the venue. My legislation will ban these tricks designed to prey on problem gamblers.