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Rowen Lotzof

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A system that helps problem gamblers control and limit their spending

Self-confessed gamblers who wish to reduce their gambling habits overtime register with rehabilitation centres or online in order to receive social and financial advice and place a ‘gambling cap’ on their spending. Their membership is integrated with their license which is scanned or entered prior to gambling at any TAB, RSL, Casino, Pub, Club or Australian online gambling website and places a limit on their gambling which is decided on by both the individual and financial advisor at the beginning of each month. The program would run for a mandatory six months for each person. Only problem gamblers who are willing to reduce and overcome their gambling addiction will be targeted. No mandatory ‘gambling cap’ would be imposed upon non-registered members.

If you have time, please also fill out a short survey on the 'Gambling Cap' at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7S6DG9D. Should only take 5 minutes of your time and would be very much appreciated.

Topics: financial aid gambling rehabilitation
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  • Random Chance 30+

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    Apr 29 2012: New. Just in.
    A kit to help compulsive gamblers.
    Contains: a pocket-less strait-jacket, an oral strap-on plug, blinders and blaring headphones.

    Gamblers do realize their limits. They reach them so fast, they speed right by.
    By the time they apply the brakes, they're broke. The gambler and the brakes.

    Anyone helping such a person undo their jacket straps, take out the plug, turn off the headphones and remove the blinders is guilty of taking a very big gamble.

    In spite of my making fun of a very serious problem and one that causes great emotional harm to those so afflicted and also to those close to a gambler, I do know and have the answer, but no one would believe it.
    I've been down that road and no one wants to listen and if they do, they only scoff at it.

    It's a shame and too bad, that though we are buried in a box, we still choose to live, think, believe, say and do in one while we are alive.
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    pat gilbert 50+

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    Apr 17 2012: The system already exists it is called being broke extensive studies have shown it to be quite workable

  • MR T

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    Apr 17 2012: I can't decide whether casinos would love it or hate it.

    One one hand the gambler spends less and has enough $ to gamble for longer with the cap.

    On the other hand the gambler can't blow everything all at once.

    long & short term gain?

    • Rowen Lotzof

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      Apr 17 2012: Unfortunately this is one of the problems we are currenty faced with. It will be quite difficult to get the support of Casinos, Pubs, RSLs etc... as there is a potential for them to lose revenue however this system is designed to solve a social cost that is affecting many individuals lives as well as their families and friends. If we are able to get the support of the Government and the community instead, the Casnios, Pubs and RSLs may have no choice but to implement such a system

      • Adele eadele

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        Apr 19 2012: If we receive support from the Government, only problem gamblers who are willing to reduce and overcome their gambling addiction will be targeted. No mandatory ‘gambling cap’ would be imposed upon non-registered members. Hence the inflow of revenue stream to the gambling industry will continue.
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    Shallow Water Walker

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    Apr 17 2012: Why the need for a service that encourages a person to have others make decisions for him/her? How does it teach the person to be self-sufficient in terms of realizing his/her limits?

    • Rowen Lotzof

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      Apr 17 2012: It is these 'problem gamblers' that unfortunatey cannot realise their limits which is why they need someone to help set restrictions for them. Sometimes people need a bit of guidance in their lives from a professional that can help them overcome their addiction as they cannot do it on their own, hence the rehabiliation clinics and self-exclusion programs. This is just an improved way of ensuring that those 'problem gamblers' don't relapse.
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        Shallow Water Walker

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        Apr 18 2012: "How does it teach the person to be self-sufficient in terms of realizing his/her limits?"

        • Rowen Lotzof

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          Apr 19 2012: At the beginning of each month the financial advisor and the individual can decide as to how much they are allowed to spend based on their financial situation. By forcing the individual to stick to this budget, they can learn to understand how much gambling is appropriate for them
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