Australian Casinos Underage Enforcement Checked by Spotters
Problem gambling has been a hot topic in Australian politics since the spread of video poker machines, as demagogues denounce gambling and attack access and availability as causal, without regard for evidence or research. In order to deal with the pressure brought by anti-gambling forces, the New South Wales government has devised a plan to test the effectiveness of the current checks in the system.
Research firms have been hired to deploy groups of young adults just over the legal limit for play at gambling venues and on gaming machines. The spotters will be used at bars, clubs, and even casinos to determine the alertness of responsible staff to potential underage participation. Bookmakers will also be tested.
If proper identification checks are not forthcoming at certain locations, those venues would be marked for increased visits by government inspectors, who would check patrons' age verifications.
Opposition leaders have denounced the plan as entrapment, and stated that more visible policing would be a correct response to prevent minors from accessing gambling devices. The limited number of police available to enforce gaming regulations was brought up as an issue needing to be addressed.
Lawrence Anderson, OCA's problem gambling expert, stated, "Education and alert enforcement of regulations barring minors are important controls preventing instances of problem gambling. Both sides have valid arguments in Australia; the government is right to test the efficiency and awareness of establishments hosting gambling, and a greater presence by regulators would also lead to greater vigilance by proprietors."
