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Survey: Gambling Measures Not Helping Problem Gambling

AUSTRALIA – As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald: "Measures introduced in pubs and clubs three years ago to help problem gamblers have had little effect, a survey of NSW club members has shown.

"Club members had noticed only some of the measures - which include warning signs, clocks, responsible ads, and the location of ATMs.

"Only a quarter of problem gamblers in the survey said the measures had changed how long or often they gambled or how much they spent.

"But many of the 954 participants said more could be done to stop problem gambling by changing poker machine designs, brightening gaming rooms, and cracking down on promotions.

"…Warning messages about gambling had been noticed by nine in 10 of those surveyed, though many considered them ineffective. Less than half the participants had noticed brochures or signs about counselling and one third said they knew about the club's self-exclusion programs.

"Fewer than one in four had noticed the lighting or clocks in gaming rooms and only 13 per cent could identify if the gaming rooms had windows, allowing players to keep better track of time. Nearly 40 per cent believed no one would intervene if they kept playing for hours, and many said they did not think their club was pro-active in encouraging a responsible gambling environment…"

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