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Australia’s torrid relationship with one of its own most profitable industries will continue into 2023 as Western Australia implements measures at one of its leading casinos that some see as draconian and others describe as common sense. The Crown Casino in Perth provoked the ire of the Gaming and Wagering Commission of Western Australia earlier in 2022 after a routine audit uncovered a range of breaches. This resulted in a list of 59 recommendations, one of which will be implemented under a new state initiative next summer.
$10 a spin
The new measure will see a AU$10 (US$6.70) maximum stake imposed on all electronic games. Mostly, that means slot games although it also applies to terminal games like video poker and punto banco baccarat. The majority of players who typically play $0.50 or $1.00 spins will not even notice the difference. However, there are real casinos online where players can wager real money on slot games to the tune of $100, $500, even $1000 per spin.
The Commission says the move will align Western Australia with other nations and that it will reduce the likelihood of problem gamblers overspending. Critics argue that limiting the size of the stake will have a negligible impact on problem gamblers and only serves to place unnecessary restrictions on the freedoms of responsible gamblers. They argue that other measures, such as exclusion programs and counseling services would be more effective and would not interfere with everyone else’s enjoyment.
Betting limits around the world
As for the Commission’s other point, there has certainly been a trend towards imposing betting limits in European casinos. The UK slashed maximum bets on the fixed odds machines found in bookmakers’ from £100 to just £2 in 2019. When the Netherlands published its new regulations for licensed casinos last year, these included a €50 maximum stake on slot games. Meanwhile in Germany, the maximum stake is just €1.
Compare that with the USA, where, other than one or two isolated exceptions such as Montana, there are no restrictions on stakes. Casinos in the US tend to be either land-based or offshore – only six states have licensed online casinos. But almost all of them cater to everyone, with everything from the so-called “penny slots” – really 5c or 25c per spin today – to high roller slots where gamblers can wager $100 or more per spin.
Too much regulation?
The problem, as Germany is finding to its cost with its €1 limits, is that regulating too tightly undermines the entire system. Gamblers who don’t like the restrictions simply find online alternatives that are not licensed in Germany and do not have to follow German licensing rules.
This is a very real threat in Australia – as we mentioned earlier, Australian gamblers have plenty of choice online. All the available sites are based offshore and Australian regulators cannot dictate to them. All they can do is block them, which they have already done with more than 350 online casino sites, but more appear to replace them with every passing week.
