NSW Government continues focus on problem gambling
The NSW Government has highlighted the importance of taking a balanced approach to gambling regulation.
Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene said the NSW Government’s response to the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report Into Gambling emphasised the need for balance.
"Problem gambling is an issue that the NSW Government takes very seriously,” Mr Greene said. “Over the past decade, the NSW Government has introduced numerous measures – including a statewide cap on poker machines and tight regulations - to combat the problem of excessive gambling. And, while the NSW Government will continue to work hard to deal with problem gambling, it is important to consider the contribution made by industry to the economy and community. We need to continue a balanced approach to this issue. Further reforms should not put at risk the survival of key industries and jobs across the state."
In 2007, registered clubs in NSW employed an estimated 43,000 people and NSW Hotels employ around 55,000 – this is the livelihood of many NSW families.
Mr Greene said NSW already had adopted a number of recommendations contained in the Productivity Commission's Draft Report.
“The NSW Government, through the Ministerial Council on Gambling, has been working with the Commonwealth and other States in examining the draft report,” Mr Greene said. “NSW already has some of the strongest gambling regulations of any State and Territory.”
Mr Greene said he had written a letter to the Productivity Commission urging the Commission to consider a number of issues in preparing its final report.
“The NSW Government is concerned at the impact of interactive gaming not only on problem gambling rates but on the registered club and racing industries,” Mr Greene said. “Internet gaming has the potential for exponential growth and without proper regulation it could pose real problems for society and problem gamblers. We urge the Productivity Commission to re-consider liberalisation or at the very least greater controls. It’s also important the Commission consider the impact that any new gambling harm-minimisation measures may have on the not-for-profit NSW Registered Club Industry and the State’s economy.”
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