But modern pokie machines are hardwired – computer programmed – to show predetermined combinations that will never allow the machine to pay out more than it takes in. How much of yourself have your put in to the pokies?Įarly versions of poker machines, the one arm-bandit, had reels inside that spun around to reveal a combination of winning and losing symbols.
It’s not just the money lost, though the average problem gambler loses around $21,000 a year, it’s that many people lose themselves. One in six people who play the pokies regularly has a severe gambling problem. Pokies are designed to make money for gambling operators and they do, by taking your money.Īustralians spend more than $19 billion a year on gambling, around $12 billion is spent on the pokies. Yes, you might sometimes have a win, but if you keep playing, you’ll most likely lose all the money you put in. Before we put our left (or right) hand into our pockets, get out our wallet and shake it all about, let’s be clear about one thing, pokie machines are not designed to help players make money.
