Stand-Up Gamblers

(Photo: Jeff Wilcox)

Anglicare, a Tasmanian welfare agency, has submitted a proposal to the Australian government’s inquiry into problem gambling that would require pokies (the Aussie version of a slot machine) players to stand up while playing.  “We don’t want to punish people, but there are things we can do to assist problem gamblers to get a break in play,” said Chris Jones, the CEO of Anglicare. “If they want a break, they can sit elsewhere, but they don’t need to take a seat in front of a machine.”

Anglicare also suggested “allowing more natural light into poker machine areas and bans on food and drink in all gaming areas.” Freakonomics readers, what do you think?  Will these nudges work?

(HT: Marginal Revolution)