The Pokies. They’re rigged, they’re addictive, and they’re everywhere.
The Pokies. They’re rigged, they’re addictive and they’re everywhere. Worst of all, they target the poorest Australians. For the first time, the masterminds behind the machines reveal how they’re programmed for addiction. And we show how our governments became the biggest addicts of all.
KaChing! Pokie Nation is a documentary made for prime time television viewing which unfolds the unethical business practices of the gambling industry and the collusion with government who benefit from the revenue taken from often the poorest postcodes derived from an addictive product. It is based on interviews with experts, designers, those harmed and visually powerful imagery from the machines, their contexts and addictive impact.
DURATION: 56 MINUTES
Issue area
Australia has more machines and a higher spend per capita than anywhere else in the world. With this explosion has come a harrowing social cost. According to a 2010 report by the Australian Productivity Commission, Australians lose $12 billion a year on the ‘Pokies’.
40% of that is from problem gamblers, with another 20% from individuals on their way to developing a problem. The report concluded that at any one time there were approximately 100,000 addicted poker machine players
1. Increase public awareness about pokies harm and the urgent need for reform.
2. Debunk the myths and reframe the public discourse around pokies and individuals who have experienced pokies addiction.
3. Prompt legislative reform around the issue of pokies.
Change in public awareness about pokies harm and the need for reform.
Change in individual and public attitudes towards pokies and those who have experienced pokie addiction.
Change in legislation around pokies.
Adjustment in revenue models amongst individual pubs and clubs
Update that the Victorian Government has introduced reform with cashless gaming cards at pokie venues
Our key partner is the Alliance for Gambling Reform who are running the campaign. The film is a core tool within the overall campaign strategy. Many relationships have developed with councils, service providers and small and large charities who deal with the harm caused by pokie addiction.
Share the film, host a screening, greater support for those with addiction issues, take action to remove or reduce pokie machines in local venues, advocate to politicians to regulate the gaming industry and for business leaders to reconsider business models in venues that rely heavily on pokie revenue.
to be added
01/08/2023
everything happened.
01/08/2023
$0
FUNDING GOAL$289,076
FUNDS RAISED12th May 2014
PROJECT ENDS2
SUPPORTERS
Ben Strunin
Larry Gurruwiwi must inherit his place as songline custodian and inspire the next generation to keep culture alive
Gives women the facts about breastfeeding so they can say, “This is my body; this is my baby; this is my decision."
Steven Pasvolsky
The Planet. The Women. The Price. The Power.
Agnieszka + Shane Burrell
“We Are Waiting” explores war's echoes through three intersecting lives, unveiling the lasting damage to children.
Madeleine Parry
Spin doctor Heidi Gallbladder has just landed her dream job: she gets to pull the strings behind the scenes of the gas industry but little does she know it’s about to unravel.
Welcome to the world of the carer – a full-time commitment, where part-time is the rest of your life.
