Pokies' would increase problem gambling in WA

19/2/06
The introduction of poker machines throughout Western Australia would significantly increase the number of people with gambling problems, a community impact study on gaming machines has revealed.
The study forecasts the number of problem gamblers will increase by 11,250 - more than four times current estimates - if access to the gaming machines is liberalised in WA.
"This figure alone is alarming and further underlines the State Government's approach of restricting gaming machines and banning 'pokies' is socially responsible," Racing and Gaming Minister Mark McGowan said today.
The report 'Community Impacts of Electronic Gaming Machine Gambling' was commissioned by the former Victorian Gambling Research Panel and prepared by the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies. It compares community impacts of gambling on electronic gaming machines between Victoria and WA.
"Statistics highlighted in the study revealed that the introduction of poker machines has led to a marked difference in gambling levels between the two States," Mr McGowan said.
"For example, in 1987-88 - before the introduction of community-based gaming machines in Victoria - Western Australians spent an average of 1.48 per cent of their household disposable income on gambling. The comparable figure for Victoria was 1.3 per cent.
"In 2002-03, the level in WA had increased marginally to 1.6 per cent, but in Victoria it had almost tripled to 3.58 per cent - more than twice the level of WA.
"The average Victorian adult now spends $1,133 a year on gaming compared with $460 in WA - with almost all the difference directly the result of poker machines."
Mr McGowan said the study sent a strong message to Opposition leader Matt Birney and other members of the Liberal party who were raising people's hopes that poker machines would be allowed in WA and access to gaming machines would be extended under a Liberal Government.
"People need to be very worried that the Liberals' position would cause enormous social disruption in WA," he said.
"People also should be aware that the Carpenter Government will absolutely oppose poker machines in WA."
The Minister said the study also revealed that increased access to gaming machines would not result in significant increases in employment.
"The study showed that job intensity associated with gambling expenditure is quite low at 3.2 jobs per $1million of gambling income," he said.
"This compares with 8.3 jobs per $1million of income from sales of liquor/beverages and 20.2 jobs per $1million of takings from food and meals."
Mr McGowan said the report identified a clear relationship between gambling expenditure and problem gambling.
"Prevalence rates are higher in those States where per capita expenditure on non-lottery gambling is higher.
"The prevalence of problem gamblers is estimated to be three to four times that of WA.
"The report also finds that health issues associated with gambling are four times higher in Victoria than in WA.
"The number of clients attending counselling services in Victoria is almost 1.35 times above that of WA."
The report is available on the internet at: http://www.justice.vic.gov.au
Minister's office: 9222 9111