Greens' spokesperson for gambling, Senator Richard Di Natale, said today that linking loyalty rewards to voluntary pre-commitment is the same as giving free beer to alcoholics.
"It makes absolutely no sense to give problem gamblers an incentive to gamble, but that is exactly what the Victorian Government is considering," said Senator Di Natale.
"Giving free credits to people who are addicted to pokies is like giving free beer to alcoholics.
"The fact that the Baillieu Government is even considering such a preposterous idea in order to entice people to use voluntary pre-commitment is proof that it is a fatally flawed concept. Voluntary pre-commitment is industry's dream reform because it won't amount to anything.
"It should be obvious to everyone at this point that $1 bet limits is the most sensible reform. It's simple, effective, cheap and importantly it doesn't reward problem gamblers for gambling more."
Media contact: Andrew Blyberg 0457 901 600