Problem Gambling and Health Greens Discussion paper December 2011 2 Problem Gambling and Health Purpose This document outlines the debate around gambling reform in Australia and looks at some proposed reforms through the lens of health policy. This paper aims to present some concrete options for gambling reform as well as avenues for further investigation, In order to frame the discussion and solicit feedback on possibilities for government action. Further reforms, with a focus on public health, should complement but not supplant existing plans to further regulate poker machines and other forms of gambling. Background Australians are the world’s most prolific gamblers. We spend an impressive $1200 per capita every year on wagers1. Of the $19 billion gambled by Australians every year, 60% or $12 billion goes into electronic gaming machines (EGMs) most commonly known as ‘pokies’.2 About 4% of the adult population (600,000 people) play these pokies at least weekly. There are over 200,000 poker machines in Australia, of which approximately 50% are in NSW alone3. Despite Australia’s small population, we have the 7th highest number of these machines in the world.4 Problem gambling is most commonly defined as “difficulties in limiting time and/or money spent on gambling which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler, others or for the community.”5 According to the Productivity Commission, there are up to 160,000 Australians, or 15% of the people who gamble weekly, who are problem gamblers (with a further 230,000 to 350,000 at moderate risk). 6 7 These problem gamblers spend an estimated $5 billion a year on poker machines alone. Finding this money takes a toll on the social fabric of the nation. Gambling problems are major causes of theft and bankruptcy8, and for each problem gambler at least five other people are affected.9 Problem gamblers sacrifice the wellâbeing of themselves and their families as they plunge into poverty and crime.10 The harm this causes the community is enormous. As money is taken out of family budgets the social costs add up, and are estimated at $4.7b per year11. 1 Over USD$1200 per year according to The Economist, reported at Hhttp://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/05/gambling 2 Productivity Commission, Gambling, vol. 1, Commonwealth of Australia 2010 p. 2. 3 Ibid. p 6. 4 1 machine per 108 people. See: Hhttp://www.theage.com.au/national/pokerâmachineâcountâputsâaustraliaâ
Date: 01/12/2011 - Collection: Library - ID: library/partypol/1311422 - Source: AUSTRALIAN GREENS - Author: Australian Greens
