Press Release

Communities need to hear the truth about gambling [27.07.06]

“It’s time for the Gambling Industry to tell the truth to communities about how much money is lost in their towns via pokies,” says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF).

“The Gambling Act 2003 provides for communities to be involved in determining their gambling environment. To do this they need to be well-informed,” says Mr Stansfield.

“The Gambling Industry continues not to tell the truth, even though they know it because they count the takings each week. The reason they don’t tell, is that there would be a huge public outcry and pokies would be thrown out of communities,” says Stansfield.

As at 30 June 2006, the Department of Internal Affairs recorded that New Zealand has 20,739 non-casino pokie machines in 1,701 venues.

“New Zealanders lost over $2 billion from gambling last year, and over half of that was from the pokies in pubs and clubs. Not only are pokies ripping off communities, but they also account for 90% of gambling problems,” says Stansfield.

“PGF, the problem gambling sector and other concerned community groups and individuals are making a stand against the harms caused by gambling with the second annual Gamble Free Day on 1st September. PGF is working to get the truth told to communities by all pokie trusts so that communities can make informed decisions about their gambling environment. We encourage everyone to get involved in recognizing these harms on Gamble Free Day.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media