The Productivity Commission says the maximum bet on poker machines should be limited to $1 as part of a massive overhaul of gambling laws.
It is estimated there are 160,000 problem gamblers in Australia, with several hundred thousand more considered at moderate risk.
The commission has found the existing bet limits are set too high to be effective and has suggested imposing a $1 limit on poker machines.
It also wants changes to the design of pokies so they no longer accept $50 notes.
The commission says all poker machines should gradually be upgraded so they display electronic warnings about the risks associated with a gambler’s playing style.
It has also found the large tax concessions on gaming revenue enjoyed by clubs in some jurisdictions cannot be justified, and there are strong grounds for them to be changed.
