UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide

Ref:13/2003

8 August, 2003

Pokies Cap Hasn’t Slowed Pokies Addiction

Data released today shows that $669 million was lost on poker machines in South Australia for the year ended 30th June 2003.

Adelaide Central Mission is concerned that the cap on poker machines has not been effective in reducing gaming machine loss or problem gambling. About $280 million of this loss came from 23,000 people with gambling problems.

The following table shows Poker machine loss and percentage increase in loss, since the cap on poker machine numbers was introduced in December 2000.

Year Poker Machine Loss % change

2000-1 $543 million 11.7

2001-2 $606 million 11.6

2002-3 $669 million 10.3

From these figures, the Mission infers that there has been a nearly 30% increase in pokies loss since the cap was introduced.

“What this means is that capping the number of poker machines is simply ineffective in reducing gambling harm” said Mark Henley from the Mission. “There is no sensible alternative for the State Government, than to significantly reduce the number of machines and venues.”

Adelaide Central Mission notes that last year there were 596 pokies venues plus the Casino and believes that it is this accessibility of pokies that is a major reason for the continued growth in pokies loss, despite the cap.

“The Mission has recommended to the Independent Gambling Authority that the number of venues be reduced to 80 community Clubs as well as the Casino. This would lead to a significant reduction in poker machine loss and significantly reduce the extent of problem gambling,” Mr Henley added.

 

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