[Greens-Media] Correction: Urgent action required on problem gambling

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

CORRECTION: EMBARGOED UNTIL 5PM MONDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2008

Urgent action required on problem gambling
Monday 10th November 2008

The Australian Greens are calling for the urgent implementation of
reforms to tackle the growing social impact of problem gambling and the
significant harm caused by poker machines.

"Evidence given to a recent Senate Committee showed that poker machines
are an issue for 85% of all problem gamblers in Australia, with up to
50% of revenue coming from 2% of users. The willingness of Governments
and industry to help these people has a clear conflict of interest,
given the obscene amount of income they generate," said Senator Rachel
Siewert.

"I am extremely disappointed that the committee report is basically
recommending doing nothing on this issue at this time, and is putting
off any action or decision until the Productivity Commission delivers
its report at the end of next year," said Senator Siewert.

The Greens are calling for simple and practical measures to be
immediately implemented to reduce the harm being caused by poker
machines:
* the removal of ATMs from gambling venues
* the complete banning of banknote acceptors on poker machines
* mandate restrictions on the rate of play, maximum bets per spin and
size of jackpots
* investigation of pre-commitment technologies which allow gamblers to
set the amount of money they wish to lose before they begin a session
and restrict their ability to continue gambling beyond this point.

"The example shown in Western Australia, where poker machines are not
present in hotels and clubs proves that poker machines are not a
'necessary evil' that merely needs to be accepted."

"Successive State Governments have failed to deal with problem gambling
and seem to be unable to kick the habit of their own addiction to the
easy money of gambling revenue," she concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180