Tasmanians Losing More to Gambling

TASMANIA – As reported by the Mercury: "Tasmanians are losing increasing amounts every year on gambling with controversial gaming machines chiefly to blame.

"Figures for 2003-04 show Tasmanians, on average, each wagered $6750 and lost a total of $788. The year before they gambled $6447 and lost $759.

"Community sector representatives have called for a full social and economic impact study of gambling before any more gambling licences are granted.

"…Tasmania's per capita gambling turnover compares with $2141 in Western Australia which has outlawed gaming machines.

"Gaming machines in pubs and clubs lifted turnover by 10.6 per cent to more than $1 billion while pokies in casinos turned over $921,000 compared with $870,000 the year before…"

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