Minister confirms Government's position on Burswood Casino

7/8/01
The Government's position on poker machines and regional casinos was today confirmed by Racing and Gaming Minister Nick Griffiths.
Mr Griffiths said it was necessary to clarify the position to reassure members of the public that the Labor Government did not support the introduction of poker machines in Western Australia or regional casinos.
"I have today written to Mr John Schaap, managing director of Burswood Casino, to inform him of the Government's position," he said.
"I have made it clear to him that the Government has no intention of allowing the introduction of poker machines or the establishment of regional casinos in WA.
"As I have said previously, this Government is not interested in making any decision that would increase problem gambling or social misery in WA. Evidence shows that poker machines in the community have serious social consequences.
"WA is in a unique position and we are able to avoid creating problems faced by the other States which have allowed poker machines to proliferate into the wider community.
"This goes further to expand on the Government's clearly defined policy to refuse the introduction of poker machines into hotels and clubs in WA.
"Negotiations with Burswood will continue on a number of other issues raised by them in preliminary discussions we have held so far."
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