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Ref:7/2003
9
May,
2003
Sen
Alston Hoodwinked – Interactive
Gambling IS Dangerous
Sen Alston
is reported as saying, ”do you … want to stop what might be a fairly
legitimate and harmless exercise..” in reference to interactive (real
time) betting.
The
reality is that interactive betting, particularly on sport would
almost certainly generate the next wave of problem gambling (pokies
being the last wave).
For
example, GamCare, a national gambling counselling service in the
United Kingdom reported last year that the percentage of face to
face clients presenting with sports betting problems had increased
from 2% to 28% of cases in one year. There
was also a dramatic increase in the number of women and young people
presenting with sports betting problems. The message from the UK
is clear for Australia – Interactive gambling is harmful.
It
is obvious that taking gambling into the home, which should be a
relaxed environment, with a barrage of gambling opportunities presented
every minute IS going to dramatically increase gambling and hence
problem gambling activity.
“The
Federal Government must recognise the considerable increase in problem
gambling harm that would flow from the introduction of interactive
sports betting into Australia” said Mark Henley, “The Government
must resist the approaches of a voracious gambling industry that
has consistently failed it’s duty of care to the community. The
role of government is to protect the community, in this instance
from even more problem gambling harm” he added.
Rev
Tim Costello was right when he said, “it is now possible to lose
your home without leaving it.” The Minister in particular and the
federal government cannot lose sight of this grave potential that
is realised by interactive gambling.
| For Further Comment | |||
| Mark
Henley Senior Policy Officer |
(08) 8202
5135 0404 067 011 (mob) |
||
