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Gambling, the impact it has one people’s lives and the proposed reforms to the poker machine industry are filling plenty of newspaper column inches. Here is just some of what is being said.

Please come back for regular updates and to find out more.

Club cancels funding over pokies row

"One of the state's biggest clubs has withdrawn about $3 million it promised to build a youth centre after Fairfield City Council opposed its bid to bring 60 more poker machines to Sydney's most disadvantaged area." By Leesha McKenny at the Sydney Morning Herald.

Demands from clubs over pokies precommitment technology

Clubs in Canberra, set to host a trial of mandatory precommitment technology for poker machines, have demanded the assessment of the scheme looks at the impact on the industry as well as reduction of problem gambling.

Budget 2012 offers help for gamblers

The Herald Sun reports on a fedral budget plan to spend $26 million over four years on an "extra 50 counsellors [that will] be recruited to help problem gamblers and their families."

Clubs stake new claims on pokies trials

"Clubs in the ACT that have agreed to a trial of mandatory precommitment on poker machines are now calling for the legislation to ensure the trial assesses the impact on the industry and contains a cost-benefit analysis, not just assessment of how well the scheme reduces problem gambling," writes Richard Willingham of The Age.

Anti-gambling laws on parliament program

"The federal government will push ahead with its plan to introduce and pass its laws to tackle problem gambling in the winter session of parliament to start next Tuesday," reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

Taxes, pokies to boost the books

"The Baillieu government's fragile budget surplus is built on Victorians paying more tax and losing more on the pokies." Writes Chip le Grand in the Australian.

Eyes on Wilkie over company tax cuts

Phillip Coorey of the SMH reports on Wlikie's reaction to the cutting of the company tax and his," threat to sell his vote dearly."

Pokies ads slam Coles, Woolies

Richard Willingham writes in the Sydney Morning Herald that, "supermarket giants Woolworths and Coles are the target of a new television commercial designed to highlight the companies' poker machine businesses and pressure the companies to adopt a $1 maximum bet limit."

Wilkie to renew push for pokie reform

A report from the Australian about Andrew Wilkie's renewed push for pokie reform. "Independent MP Andrew Wilkie will use the latest political upheaval to renew his thwarted push for major poker machine reform," writes Brendan Nicholson.

$500,000 an hour lost on pokies

"Victorians are blowing almost half a million dollars an hour on poker machines during busy periods, with problem gamblers estimated to be losing up to $4.7 million a day..." Jason Dowling at The Age reports.

Odds again in Wilkie's favour on pokies reform

Tom Cummings is a recovering problem gambler. His website, Cyenne, comments on current poker machine reforms.

Survey shows Labor voters want pokie reform

"A new poll by the Stop the Loss Coalition... says an overwhelming number of Labor voters support gambling reform." A report on ABC Radio National's Breakfast program.

Gaming claims don't add up

"The level of charitable and community contributions provided by poker machine operators is ‘miniscule’ in comparison to the amount of money lost by poker machine users within local communities, a new study has shown." An article on the new UnitingCare report by Monash University.

New report goes behind clubs' contribution to charity

Fran Kelly on ABC's Radio National Breakfast show reports on the new report released by UnitingCare Australia. "The Clubs industry has long argued that it puts poker machine profits back into the community, through its support of sporting organisations and charities. But a new report has found that charitable contributions made by clubs are 'minuscule' compared to their profits."

Pokies largesse is more propaganda than reality

Dr Charles Livingstone writes on The Drum that pokies revenue is of little benefit to the community.

Pokies give peanuts to charity

Stephanie Peatling writes in the SunHerald about new research released by UnitingCare. It was found that, "charitable and community contributions made by clubs are nothing more than a ''smokescreen'' to disguise profits from problem gambling, according to the first research to look at donations from the clubs industry."

Ban pokies bells and whistles: problem gambler

"The psychological tricks of poker machine bells and whistles should be banned and replaced with a fire drill-like warning alarm when people are losing badly, a federal parliamentary inquiry has been told." Nine News reports on a submission to the parliamentary inquiry into problem gambling.

Pokies 101: Don't gamble with education

Former problem gambler Tom Cummings with his take on Gambling Australia's proposal to teach kids about safe gambling.

Club lobby pushes for gambling awarenss program in schools

Clubs Australia "has called on state and federal governments to develop and trial a national school-based gambling education program." Reports Richard Willingham in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Woolies accused of misleading shareholders over pokies

ABC Radio National 'sSamantha Hawley reports on ASIC's investigation into "allegations that Woolworths' chairman misled shareholders about the supermarket giant's ownership of poker machines."

Pokies are the root of gambling

"A gambling counsellor has spoken out against the grip of poker machines on the city's punters, as Bundaberg threw another $47 million down the slot in the past 12 months." Lea Emery in NewsMail online.

Xenophon doubts Labor's anti-gambling commitment

Local ABC news in Melbourne reports that, "Independent Senator Nick Xenophon says he does not believe the Federal Government will uphold its commitment to trialling anti-gambling measures."

Devils in the detail of pokie reforms

An online opinion piece for ABC's The Drum from Charles Livingstone. "The Federal Government has postponed the tabling of its poker machine reform legislation until at least the 2012 budget session."

Wilkie seeks pokies written commitment

Paul Osbourne writes in the Sydney Morning Herald that, "independent MP Andrew Wilkie says one sentence stands between him supporting poker machine legislation or the government failing to deliver the reforms."

ClubsACT flays Wilkie over pokie laws

"Independent Andrew Wilkie is being accused of putting the pokies trial in the ACT at risk." by Ross Peake in the Canberra Times.

Rival pokies reform: Nick Xenophon

ABC Radio National's Fran Kelly on Wilkie's alternative bill on pokie reform. "The introduction of the Gillard government's gambling bills have now been delayed until May at the earliest... independent Nick Xenophon has described the bills as a 'con job' and has joined the Greens and DLP Senator John Madigan, who has introduced rival legislation for $1 maximum bets on poker machines."

Labor delays pokie reform

Phillip Coorey reports on the terse situation between Andrew Wilke and the Labor government. From the Sydney Morning Herald.

Xenophon Bill to force $1 maximum pokie bets

"Independent South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon has introduced a new Bill which would force hotels to adopt $1 maximum bets." The Adelaide Advertiser reports.

Pokies win, but sports betting hits $1m a day

Rebecca Puddy writes in the Australian about a new study which has found that "sportsbetting is the fastest-growing gambling sector in the country."

Pokies expert told to stay away from meeting

ABC Radio's AM program reports, "The Federal Government's poker machine reforms are again causing a stir. This time a leading gambling expert says he's been told he's not welcome at a meeting alter today with the responsible Minister, Jenny Macklin."

Call for an anti-pokies voice

"South Australia's peak social services group has called for funding to employ an anti-pokies campaigner to combat the cashed-up hotels industry." From Daniel Wills at the Adelaide Advertiser.

Pokies trial could be pushed back

"ACT clubs believe a trial of mandatory precommitment technology for poker machines could be pushed back, saying a February 2013 start date is ambitious." A report on the possible postponment of the precommitment trial by Lisa Martin from Nine News online.

Problem gamblers hurt their families

Clare Quirk writes about the huge consequences of gambling and the minimal contributions that pokies make to the community. From the Warrnambool Standard.

Archbishop backs pokies reform

An article in the Herald Sun reads, "The Anglican Archbishop of Adelaide has backed calls for a $1 betting limit on poker machines. Archbishop Jeffrey Driver said the Federal Government was still in a position to deliver change and reduce the harm caused by poker machine addiction even after abandoning the mandatory pre-commitment scheme."

Wilkie, Macklin in talks on pokie bill

"Andrew Wilkie believes Community Services minister Jenny Macklin is genuine about addressing his concerns about the government's pokie reform plans. Mr Wilkie had an hour-long discussion with Families and Community Services minister Jenny Macklin on Tuesday about his concerns with government plans to run a trial of mandatory pre-commitment technology in the ACT." A report on Sky News.com.

The twisted logic of pokie reform

Charles Livingstone reflects on ABC's The Drum about the process of debate in regards to pokie reform.

Signed and delivered - pokies reform on cards

"Fifteen New England churches have joined the call for poker machine reform, by presenting member for New England Tony Windsor with 1000 signed postcards in favour of strict new measures against gambling." The Northern Daily Leader reports on efforts in Wilkie's electorate to curb proglem gambling.

Plan could see pokies set up in new suburbs

"The ACT government has flagged major concessions to the territory's gambling industry that could open up the new suburbs of Molonglo and Gungahlin to pokies clubs." says the Canberra Times.

North Melbourne's no-gambling stance pays off

Michael Warner of the Herald Sun reports that "North Melbourne accepted a $5000 donation from a prominent anti-gambling activist only days after sealing its World Vision Australia partnership."

Scott warns of gambling issue

"Problem gambling is far and away the No.1 problem facing young AFL footballers today, North Melbourne coach Brad Scott says." From Nick Bowen at BigPond.

Punters lose Vegas-style razzle dazzle as Baillieu makes a swoop at pokies glitz

The Herald Sun reports on the Baillieu government push to replace promotional signs with plain versions.

Charity begins at home in Kangaroo's new World Vision

Melbourne's The Age on the new partnership between North Melbourne and World Vision, and how they're staying away from the pokies.

North Melbourne's boadroom brawl re-ignites

"North Melbourne's boardroom brawl has reignited after the club signed a deal preventing it from earning any gambling income." Michael Warner of the Herald Sun writes on the steps North Melbourne is taking to become a socially responsible team.

Whittlesea council to block club pokies push

An article by Anne Whitelaw from the Northern Weekly, "Whittlesea council has vowed to block the Whittlesea Bowls Club's bid for more gaming machines. The club has applied for 10 extra poker machines, which would increase the venue's number of pokies to 50."

Double rates plan on pokies

"Poker machine venues in Melbourne's north-east suburbs will have their local council rates doubled to help fund problem gambling programs under a plan to be voted on by Manningham City Council this month," reports the Melbourne Age.

Geelong's pokie pain

An article from the Geelong Advertiser about the pokies losses the community is suffering.

Wilkie ditches support for gambling trial

An ABC report by Sabra Lane on Andrew Wilkie's withdrawal from the pre-commitment trial in the ACT "Federal Independent MP Andrew Wilkie says it is time the Prime Minister and her Government "grew a backbone" on the issue of problem gambling."

Pokies reform campaigners in ad blitz

"Anti-gambling activists have launched a slick ad blitz to highlight how families suffer from the grip of poker machines." ninemsn's Lisa Martin on the ad campaign launched by the Stop the Loss campaign.

Wilkie resists poker machine trial: Tim Costello

"Independant MP Andrew Wilkie says that he may oppose legislation enabling a trial of mandatory precommitment technology in the ACT. Wilkie has threatened to vote 'no' unless problems with the Canberra trial are fixed, and a $1 maximum bet limit is legislated. His position is supported by Senator Nick Xenaphon. This latest development puts poker machine reform in jeapordy once again." A program from Radio National.

Young men targeted by gambling companies

A Lateline item on research from Monash University that has discovered, "gambling companies are increasingly targeting young men who have disposable incomes."

League star tackles gambling

Lina Finn reports in the Northern Rivers Echo, "while Australia's leaders continue to dither about how to tackle the issue of problem gambling, former Newcastle Knights star and gambling counsellor Ashley Gordon has taken up the issue and is running with it."

Clubs to support pokie test

"The government is a step closer to securing a trial of poker machine reforms in the ACT after a meeting of local clubs agreed, in principle, to support a year-long test of a scheme that would force punters to preset how much they are willing to lose," writes Richard Willingham for SMH Online.

Broken pokies deal: What's next for Labor?

ABC Online reports that, "Independent MP Andrew Wilkie's decision to withdraw support for the Government puts Labor back to a one-seat majority but is unlikely to lead to an early election. Mr Wilkie says he had no choice but to walk away from the Government after Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced a watered down version of their post-election agreement to overhaul poker machine laws."

An epic fight to preserve the spirit of a community

"Members of EPIC (Enough Pokies in Castlemaine) are fighting a push to more than treble the number of poker machines in the town." Bruce Guthrie in the Brisbane Times.

Teens hooked on gambling

NewsMail online reports that, "A new generation of gamblers is becoming addicted to online pokies and card games as young teenagers. Unregulated online gaming has spawned an emerging group of problem gamblers who are still too young to gamble legally."

Women at greater danger from pokies, report finds

"The number of women gambling is increasing and ease of access to poker machines is a key factor in producing problem gambling in women, new government funded research has found." Jason Dowling's article for The Age on a new report by the Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre

History books will show the folly of being slaves to the pokie lobby

Tim Costello writes for the Sydney Morning Herald in February that, "William Wilberforce's fight to end slavery was morally unambiguous. There is no serving politician who believes they would have been on the wrong side of that debate. But they are wrong."

Town's historic gamble against pokies

The Age's Lawrence Money tells the story of a Victorian country town. "When Macedon Ranges councillor John Letchford visited Victoria's Supreme Court the other day to see a barrister mate take silk, he spotted a familiar face. It was one of the three judges who, in a case launched by Macedon Ranges Shire Council in 2007, had killed off a plan to put poker machines into the pub at Romsey."

My life as a pokie addict: I lost everything I loved

"Even now, more than 10 years after the ordeal began, Kaye can't quite get her head around it. She may never know what drove her to put about $200,000 through those flashing, whirring machines." A report from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Plain packaging for pokies

The Rev Bill Crews writes on his website, "Well while I was out of action in hospital the pokie reforms package was successfully railroaded by the Clubs lobby. It’s very sad news, and I’ve got some things to say about it."

Cave-in by PM puts us all at risk

Dr Jennifer Borrell, a social researcher at Kildonan UnitingCare, writes in The Sydney Morning Herald that, "Prime Minister Julia Gillard's capitulation to the powerful poker machine industry is a blow to democracy in this country. Governments are meant to represent the public interest, not be intimidated by industry campaigns against reform in marginal electorates. In this case, the reform was aimed at making the pokie product safer and giving some control back to gamblers."

Costello gutted over pokies backflip

The Courier Mail reports that, "Long-time anti-gambling campaigner the Rev Tim Costello has savaged the Victorian government's broken election promise on voluntary pokies pre-commitment, saying he has given up on state governments. The chair of the National Churches Gambling Taskforce was "shattered'' when Prime Minister Julia Gillard broke her agreement with independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie to legislate for a national roll-out of mandatory pre-commitment technology by May 8 this year."

Problem gamblers trapped by need, freed by love

"It's the ultimate battlers' dream to win a million dollars. The hypothetical leads many to contemplate paying off the house, a tropical island sojourn or perhaps telling the boss to get stuffed. Rob, 43, says his first purchase would be a straitjacket - to prevent losing the lot." The Adelaide Advertiser reports from a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.

Gambling industry are no dopes

"Clubs Australia, the gambling industry and those who oppose poker machine reform, are creating a compelling argument to legalise drugs in Australia," writes Simon Tatz on The Drum on ABC online.

Tim Costello says both sides of politics are failing on gambling problem

"Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello wants the Coalition to feel the heat over pokies reform. As chairman of the National Churches Gambling Taskforce he called on the Coalition to stop trailing the community and start showing leadership. "When leadership fails us on both sides of the house, leadership has to come from the community," Reverend Costello told journalists in Canberra." A report from the Sydney Morning Herald on 1 February 2012.

$16m spent on tobacco, pokies campaigns

Sky News reports in February that, "The poker machine and tobacco lobbies spent almost $16 million in political advertising and party donations to try to influence party policies, figures show. Funding and donation details for 2010/11 released by the Australian Electoral Commission on Wednesday showed pubs and clubs spent almost $2 million on political parties as the sector launched a campaign against poker machine gambling reforms."

Wilkie says pokies decision 'within days'

In breaking news on January 20, The Age reports, "Independent MP Andrew Wilkie says a final deal on poker machine reform is only days away. Mr Wilkie will hold talks with Prime Minister Julia Gillard in Melbourne on Friday night, that he hopes will finalise an agreement on the introduction of poker machine mandatory pre-commitment technology."

Research challenges cost of pokies reform

ABC online reports that, "Research commissioned by the anti-gambling lobby has challenged the clubs industry's claim that poker machine reform would cost it billions of dollars in set-up costs."

Labor MPs urged to show spine on pokies

"One of Wollongong’s most outspoken problem gambling crusaders has urged Labor MPs to show ‘‘backbone and principle’’ by pushing ahead with poker machine reform. However, St Michael’s Anglican Cathedral reverend Sandy Grant concedes Prime Minister Julia Gillard could walk away from legislating mandatory pre-commitment technology by May. A story from the Illawarra Mercury in January 2012.

Gillard pokies backflip angers those trying to heal the hurt

"If Julia Gillard backs away from her timetable to introduce meaningful changes to poker machines, it will disgust the members of the Gambling Impact Society of NSW" writes Jacob Saulwick in the Sydney Morning Herald in January 2012.

Labor is gambling on politics not principles

"It's been 16 months since that handshake, and eight months since the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee handed down their first report into designing and implementing a mandatory pre-commitment system. And still there is no sign of the pokies reform." Read more from Tom Cumming writing for The Age in January 2012.

Take a punt, says Tim Costello: speak out

Bravery by church and community groups to speak up in public is the only way to counteract a $40 million scare campaign about problem gambling, anti-pokie advocate Reverend Tim Costello says in the Port Macquarie News.

Coalition's poll favours $1 pokie bet

"Thousands of people have told the federal Coalition they support tougher action on problem pokies gambling, including $1 maximum bets and mandatory pre-commitment. The opposition frontbencher Malcolm Turnbull will this week release the results of an online poll he conducted to gauge community views on what should be done.' He told the Sun-Herald's Stephanie Peatling, ''Sixty-seven per cent of people supported $1 maximum bet limits - probably because it's easier to understand - and 64 per cent of people said they either strongly agreed or agreed with mandatory pre-commitment.''

"Mummy, can't Daddy buy you a poker machine?"

Jenny Macklin is is the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. In December she wrote for the website mamamia:

"Gabriela Byrne is a community worker, a wife and a mother to two wonderful children. I met Gabriela yesterday, when she spoke at a community forum about what she used to be – a woman addicted to gambling on poker machines. For four years, the pokies came before her family, her children and her career. She describes her addiction as a ‘love affair’ — endless lies, constant guilt, wanting to stop but not knowing how."

Pokie reform will help people know when to fold ‘em

Harry Herbert writes for The Punch in December following Father Chris Riley's comments on poker machine reform.

"In the race for headlines and hysteria, the poker machine reform debate has fallen through the cracks of serious social progress. In their eagerness to beat back the Government’s agenda on poker machines, pushing their polished and focus tested ‘license to punt’ line, Big Clubs have churned out an astounding $20 million hoping to hit the jackpot.

Through my work with disadvantaged and discriminated Australians, I saw the implementation of poker machine reform as an opportunity to discuss the facts and impacts of problem gambling in Australia. Disappointingly, the lobbyists and ad agencies have had their way once again, turning an issue that destroys lives and families into yet another expensive political sideshow."

Bundy's pokie shame

"Millions of dollars are disappearing down Bundaberg's poker machines each month and the huge amounts spent show no sign of decreasing." Lea Emery writes for the Bundaberg News Mail in December.

Hokey-pokie over speaker may shaft problem gamblers

"Tony Abbott described the events in Canberra yesterday surrounding the speakership of the Parliament as a bad day for democracy. Abbott was right, but for the wrong reasons. The most undemocratic outcome of yesterday’s events could now be that a reform aimed at making life more bearable for problem gamblers, which is supported by a majority of Australians, will now be dumped because Labor has the numbers in the house to get away with pulling it, thus avoiding a fight to the death with powerful gambling interests." David Penberthy write for The Punch.

Still raging against the machines

"Meeting Tim Freedman, there are a couple of pressing matters to contemplate. There's the hiatus he has taken from the Whitlams, the much-loved, ARIA-winning Sydney pop band he has fronted for almost two decades. There's also Australian Idle, his debut solo album released last week.But as we sit down at a city Mexican restaurant one recent Friday afternoon, it's the Whitlams' 1999 single Blow Up the Pokies that has our attention." Andrew Murfett writes for the Sydney Morning Herald in November.

Pokie shock: punters lost $80m more

"Canberra's losses to poker machines in the past financial year were just under $179 million, nearly $80 million more than previously estimated. A Legislative Assembly Committee was told yesterday that as much as $1billion may have churned through the city's 4954 poker machines in 2010-11." Noel Towell writes for The Canberra Times in November.

No pre-commitment to the truth in pro-pokie campaign

"The Australian Greens' $1 maximum bet policy for poker machines has certainly set the hares running." Charles Livingstone of Monash University writes for The Drum at ABC online.

Woolworths hits the jackpot with pokies after signing deal with Laundy hotel group

Grocery giant Woolworths will soon boast more poker machines than the top five casinos in Las Vegas combined, reports Vanda Carson in The Daily Telegraph in November. "The companies’ hotel arm will add 32 hotels after signing a $500 million deal with the Laundy hotel group. This brings the total number of Woolworths hotels to 334, and the total number of machines from just more than 12,100 to 13,300. It also tightens Woolworths hold on two titles it already holds - the largest poker machine company in the country and the largest hotel owner."

Pokies and the victims who have no voice

'I've known Thuy for over 20 years. Her father was one of the first Vietnamese migrants to open a shop in Cabramatta. It's still on the main street and going strong. The last time I saw her, Thuy was dropping off her children at a local private school in one of those enormous Japanese 4WDs. Her family is a local success story. A few months ago, she called out of the blue to ask for a $1,000 loan, just "a minor cash flow problem" and she'll pay it back in a week. It just didn't sound right." Thang Ngo writes for The Drum at ABC online.

Problem gamblers not seeking help

More than 90 per cent of problem gamblers in the ACT are not accessing help for their addiction writes Stephanie Anderson for the Canberra Times in November.

Nanny's wisdom has paid off before

"Without the "nanny'' state we would be in serious trouble. More people would die on the roads or smoke themselves to an early grave; more would be maimed by defective consumer goods, and conned by false and misleading advertising; and more toddlers would drown in backyard swimming pools." Adele Horin writes in the Sydney Morning Herald in October.

Time to say enough is enough: Harry Jenkins

"Federal parliamentary Speaker Harry Jenkins has made an extraordinary entry into the poker machine reform debate, arguing government has a responsibility to deal with the misery suffered by problem gamblers." Shane Green writes for The Age in October.

The machines that are draining a city

"Fairfield is one of Sydney's most disadvantaged areas yet the pokies earn billions there." Matthew Moore and Jacob Saulwick investigate for the Sydney Morning Herald in October.

The game’s up — pokies reform not so taxing for footy

“Who pays $1,200 for an hour’s entertainment?” asks the Rev. Tim Costello in the Sydney Morning Herald during grand final week.

Profit and loss

"Nowra resident Ralph Bristow said recovering from a gambling problem was a tough battle and the large number of poker machines in the Shoalhaven did not make it any easier." Damain McGill writes for the South Coast Register in October.

Politics of self-interest feeds the inner beast

“The killer statistic is this: according to the Productivity Commission, about 15 per cent of regular poker machine users contribute about 40 per cent of all the money put through pokies,” says Ross Gittens, Sydney Morning Herald economics editor, in September.

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