Gambling losses on rise
Jack Houghton | October 20, 2012
Emma Malone, a Gambling Help services educator for the Queensland Government, said there was a hidden "epidemic" of gambling on the Coast and it would be dangerous to allow more casinos or gaming machines.
"We have a high number of gaming machines here," she said.
"Increased accessibility, trading times and venues will add to the problem."
Her concerns come after Gold Coast gamblers recorded an unprecedented monthly poker machine loss of more than $23 million in August.
Monthly loss totals have risen steadily since April, by more than $4 million, according to figures released by The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation.
Ms Malone said the latest figures were concerning and displayed a growing issue with gambling addiction on the Coast.
"Unfortunately, people who lose on gaming machines are the people who are most vulnerable," Ms Malone said.
"They are more sensitive to significant problems like depression and other mental health issues."
However, Clubs Queensland boss Doug Flockhart said the recent spike in poker machine losses was not linked to problem gambling.
"The majority of people we cater for gamble responsibly," he said.
"Queensland leads the way in that department."
He said it was difficult to know exactly why people were losing more money on the pokies.
"Addiction is a very unfortunate part of society," he said.
"The percentage of problem gamblers on the Gold Coast is minimal in comparison to other places."
Mr Flockhart will meet with fellow members of the Responsible Gambling Advisory Committee in November to discuss problem gambling.
Anyone seeking assistance with problem gambling can contact the 24-hour, confidential gambling hotline on 1800 858 858 or access the Gambling Help services by calling 5575 6122.
According to an Australian Government Productivity Commission report, 15 per cent of people who use gaming machines are "problem gamblers", while a further 15 per cent are at "moderate risk".
Additionally, the 2010 report estimated that problem gamblers accounted for 22 to 60 per cent of total gaming machine spending.
http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/10/20/440077_gold-coast-news.html
"Queensland leads the way in that department."
He said it was difficult to know exactly why people were losing more money on the pokies.
"Addiction is a very unfortunate part of society," he said.
"The percentage of problem gamblers on the Gold Coast is minimal in comparison to other places."
Mr Flockhart will meet with fellow members of the Responsible Gambling Advisory Committee in November to discuss problem gambling.
Anyone seeking assistance with problem gambling can contact the 24-hour, confidential gambling hotline on 1800 858 858 or access the Gambling Help services by calling 5575 6122.
According to an Australian Government Productivity Commission report, 15 per cent of people who use gaming machines are "problem gamblers", while a further 15 per cent are at "moderate risk".
Additionally, the 2010 report estimated that problem gamblers accounted for 22 to 60 per cent of total gaming machine spending.
http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/10/20/440077_gold-coast-news.html
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