Australia Commissions Four Gambling Studies

"The first will examine how much Victorian households spend on gaming compared with those in Western Australia, where there are no poker machines outside Perth's Burswood Casino.

"Panel chairwoman Linda Hancock said yesterday the research into spending in both states would demonstrate the effect of Victoria's 30,000 poker machines on local communities.

"…Professor Hancock said another of the panel's studies would investigate the effectiveness of the government's problem gambling measures, including the smoking ban in gaming venues, as well as the introduction of clocks and lights in poker machine areas.

"…Professor Hancock, the director of Deakin University's Public Policy Program, said the panel also wanted some research conducted on the racing industry's attempts to attract younger punters.

"The fourth study will concentrate on the emerging electronic gaming machine industry, including the changes in software technology since poker machines were introduced in Victoria in 1992…"

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