Australia is pursuing introducing laws that require gambling officers to intervene with gambling addicts on the request of a family member. Identified problem gamblers would be banned from gaming clubs and poker until they successfully completed counseling.

A pilot program, operating in South Australia from 2004 to present, had handled 150 complaints and taken formal action in 10 cases.

It is estimated two per cent of all gamblers and poker players in Australia have a problem with gambling. Other measures proposed include a ban on credit cards which are used to pay for many online and telephone gambling sites.

The measure is one of several proposed by the registered clubs movement, which relies heavily on poker-machine revenue, to challenge problem gambling.

The organization also wants tighter regulation of internet and telephone gambling, and for schools to implement financial literacy education programs

The Australian Productivity Commission has been asked to investigate gambling and problem gambling in Australia.

It will deliver a final report to the government at the end of next year.

I’m not sure if other countries how similar programs, and certainly the idea of a government banning someone from using credit cards can be troubling.

But, people who do have a serious gambling problem should be treated, for their own good as well as for the good of others.

What do you think about this proposed law?

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