Exodus

I note the Government launched responsible gambling week at Star City Casino with the AHA and Clubs NSW at its side - like a bad joke and an insult to the people who care about solving problem gambling - see release below.

Clubs and Hotels are still big donors.

The State government is addicted to these donations and the revenue from pokies.

The State government needs to address problem gambling and make big gesture policy changes - treat it as a public health issue, hand responsibility to NSW Health, wind back the number of pokie machines, regulate the architecture of these machines that are being designed to take more and more of people's money.

The Government needs to accept that problem gamblers and their families and friends are deeply damaged by this unsafe product - and stop accepting and perpetuating the spin from clubs and pubs that it is a small problem that can be managed by a sticker on a machine, coasters and posters.

Clubs and pubs in NSW can be vital places for the community without gambling - the line that they cannot survive without pokies must be put to bed.

Government has a responsibility to try stop this damage.

This is an industry that deliberately targets areas of social disadvantage knowing that it can maximise its profits best this way. It is spending millions on R&D to design machines to draw more people in.

The Productivity Commission inquiry is due to report in February – I hope this report will be the start of a new era in addressing problem gambling in Australia.

State and Federal governments must lead on this important policy issue. Federal government needs to fund NSW to make up the shortfall for lost revenue if industry wound back.

11 May 2009

The NSW Government today joined with ClubsNSW, the Australian Hotels Association and Star City casino at the launch of NSW Gambling Awareness Week.

Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene said the week will work to highlight the risks associated with gambling and encourage those with problems to seek help.

“Responsible Gambling Awareness Week will see the Rees Government’s network of free Gambling Help services heavily promoted in licensed venues,” Mr Greene said.

“We know people with gambling problems respond to help information inside licensed venues and that’s why, working with the industry, a range of promotions will be on show in thousands of licensed venues across NSW from May 11 to 17.

“Actions include the delivery of more than one million coasters, posters and stickers to pubs and clubs, resources for education counsellors and the pilot of a ‘time out’ room at Star City. “Star City’s ‘time out’ room gives gamblers a place to speak to qualified counsellors and access responsible gambling information.

“It will be promoted inside the Casino via displays, signage and announcements, and staff will wear badges inviting patrons to visit to learn more about responsible gambling.

“700,000 anti-problem gambling coasters designed by 15-year-old North Coast schoolgirl Isobel Nutt will also be on display in pubs and clubs along with material promoting our free Gambling Help counselling services,” he said.

Star City managing director Craig Garvin said Responsible Gambling Awareness Week played a key role in showing how the industry can assist those at risk of developing a gambling problem.

“We already have in place an extensive responsible gambling program and we are always looking at how we can enhance that program," Mr Garvin said.

“The trial of a ‘time out’ room at Star City is a way of giving our customers a chance to take a rest from their gambling activities and seek advice if they feel they may have a problem.”

AHA NSW chief executive Sally Fielke said country pubs have been the social hub of communities in good times and bad for close to two centuries.

“NSW hotels recognise the value of initiatives like Responsible Gambling Awareness Week in raising awareness within the local community about gambling responsibly,” she said.

ClubsNSW chairman Peter Newell said by discussing gambling in an open and educated way, we can help ensure people who choose to gamble do so responsibly.

“At the same time we can also educate problem gamblers and the broader community of the availability of well resourced services that provide the support they need to get their lives back on track,” Mr Newell said.

Mr Greene said the Rees Government has distributed problem gambling kits to more than 3,300 school and TAFE campuses, part of its early intervention and prevention program.

“This booklet gives counsellors the tools to identify and respond to a student developing a gambling problem or affected by a family member’s gambling problem.

“The Government funds over 40 free problem gambling counselling services at more than 200 locations, as well as a 24-hour telephone counselling service, and a range of self-help and support materials on the internet.

“We know that these services are making a real difference to people’s lives so if you are experiencing problems please don’t hesitate to seek help.”

Problem gamblers can seek help 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week by calling the Gambling Help line on 1800 858 858 or visiting www.gamblinghangover.nsw.gov.au