[Greens-Media] Govt and clubs twist surveys to minimise extent of problem gambling

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
23 May 2010


Govt and clubs twist surveys to minimise extent of problem gambling

With Responsible Gambling Awareness Week finishing today, Greens MP
and health spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has criticised the NSW Minister
for Gaming Kevin Greene and the Clubs NSW for misusing gambling
prevalence figures to downplay the extent and impact of problem
gambling in NSW.

“The Minister and Clubs NSW claim a recent study shows rates of
problem gambling in NSW have been cut in half and that we now has the
lowest rate of gambling in Australia. They link an alleged decrease in
problem gambling to the success of prevention programs,” Ms Rhiannon
said.

“It appears the government and clubs are working to massage NSW
figures to improve the industry's reputation in the lead up to the
release of the Productivity Commission's final report on gambling due
mid year.

“The Minister and Clubs NSW are referring to results of a 2009 NSW
Health phone survey and comparing it to a 2006 gambling survey which
has a different design and reach. This is like comparing apples to
oranges.

"Measuring the extent and impacts of problem gambling is undoubtedly
difficult, but this does not excuse the repeated attempts of the
Gaming Minister and the gambling industry to spin the figures and
downplay the extent of the problem.

"Both the NSW government and the clubs movement are making a killing
from the gambling industry.  It is negligent of them to misrepresent
the figures and downplay the extent of gambling addiction to further
their own interests.

"If we minimise the devastating impact of problem gambling for
individuals and their families it lessens the case for tougher
regulation and increased services which are so sorely needed.

"For over a decade the government has resisted cracking down on the
gambling industry because of the millions it creams from its
operations and receives from clubs and pubs in political donations.

"It's time that the government treated gambling as a public health
issue, not a revenue tap, and directed increased resources to
prevention and treatment,” Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information:  Lee Rhiannon 0427 861 568