The risk of gambling harm from poker machines increases after dark. We know that the high levels of harm being experienced by people in the late hours of the night and early hours of the morning are avoidable. 

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The Victorian legislation says that poker machines must only operate for a maximum of 20 hours a day, with a continuous four hour break. However, each venue can individually decide what hours their poker machine rooms are closed. 

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After an investigation, led by one of the Alliance’s incredible volunteers, we found that there are a large number of venues staggering their opening hours with nearby venues so that in many suburban areas there are poker machines available 24/7. One pokies venue will close at 6am and another will open at 6am. This is unacceptable and this a loophole in legislation that needs to be fixed now! 

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