The recent decision by Souths Leagues to dump their no-pokies policy illustrates the powerful hold gambling has on society, but tomorrow its full impact will be revealed when gambling is put on trial.
The Exodus Foundation, together with the University of NSW Law Society, will hold a mock trail aimed at showcasing the effects current gambling regulations have on vulnerable people.
44% of all turnover from the gambling industry comes from problem gamblers, and 15% of regular gamblers are problem gamblers. “For over 30 years I’ve been piecing together lives that have been shattered by gambling” said Rev. Bill Crews, “it’s time the public were made fully aware of just how damaging this industry really is.”
Rev. Crews will open the mock trial that will feature some of the UNSW Law Society’s leading speakers, as well as members of the Exodus Foundation’s Mens Group who will appear as witnesses; telling of the real-life damage gambling has had on their lives.
Date: Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Time: 6:30pm
Venue: The Law Theatre, UNSW Law Building, University of NSW, Kensington
The facts at a glance:
• $16.9 billion is spent each year on gambling.
• 15% of regular gamblers are problem gamblers.
• 44% of all gambling turnover comes from problem gamblers.
• 59% of gambling revenue comes from poker machines, and each machine earns approximately $42,000 per annum.
• Approximately 12% of state tax revenue comes from gambling, and the lowest socio-economic groups (problem gamblers) contribute proportionally the largest amount of tax.
Figures supplied by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Gambling Impact Society of NSW.
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