Just across the border, big things are happening when it comes to gambling legislation. It seems that pokie reform, the initiative that would have required players to set their own betting limits, is no longer up for consideration by the government. After months of defending Wilkie’s proposal, Julie Gillard has finally given up.
It seems like the right decision, anyways. Most of the country was against the idea. Clubs Australia launched a multi-million dollar campaign to fight the initiative while many players across the country attended rallies in protest of pokie reform. It was getting increasingly difficult for the federal government to justify implementing the plan.
Gillard only stayed so dedicated to the cause because Andrew Wilkie had threatened to withdraw his support for her government if she did not keep her promise to legislation pokie reform. Now, Gillard no longer needs Wilkie’s support, as MP Peter Slipper has vowed his support for the government.
Gillard says there is still a place for gambling reform; however, it does not seem to be a primary concern at this point in time.
