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Smart cards are 'most effective' way to limit Australian gamblers' losses
28 Feb 2011

Smart cards are most effective way to limit the losses of Australian gamblers who use gaming machines, it has been claimed.

The Australian Associated Press has reported that the government is pushing casino operators to agree to a pre-commitment scheme by May which would pave the way for gamblers in the country to have their spending limited when using poker machines.

Families Minister Jenny Macklin expressed her belief that smart card technology is the ideal way to ensure residents do not spend too much in casinos.

"Everyone has an ATM card in their wallet or purse," she told the news provider.

Among the recommendations for the programme include setting daily withdrawal limits of AUS$250 (£158) for ATMs near poker machines.

Furthermore, poker machine bet limits would be lowered and hotels and clubs which offer gambling facilitates would have to shut for six hours from 2am.