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$31m spent on pokies
Message was posted: 08:53 Sep 12th, 2006

User: RickyWalls Rank: Casino Gold: 2984CG Contributor rating: 6320 Status: Offline

Gambling news from http://portlincoln.yourguide.com.au/ NEARLY $31million was spent in poker machines on Eyre Peninsula last financial year, according to figures released by the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner. This figure is up nearly $2million from 2004/2005, despite a reduction in the number of machines. The State Government cut the number of machines in South Australia by 20 per cent, or 3000 machines, from July 1, 2005 to reduce problem gambling. Under the new legislation 40 machines were removed from venues in Port Lincoln but less machines has not meant less revenue. Gaming machine revenue in the Port Lincoln council area has increased nearly $160,000, from $9,151,607.64 in 2004/2005 to $9,310,217.38 in the last financial year. Across Eyre Peninsula pokie spending has gone from $28,998,341.78 to $30,748,313,09. However annual growth is on the way down with the revenue increase less than it has been in previous years. State Gambling Minister Paul Caica said an Independent Gambling Authority report showed the Statewide growth rate from gaming machines had reduced significantly from an average 11 per cent rise each year over the last decade down to less than one per cent over the last year. "Apart from the considerable slowing in the growth of gaming revenue, we also know that most people who gamble do so responsibly and that there is no single measure to solve problem gambling," Mr Caica said. The SA Government has also introduced other initiatives aimed at reducing problem gambling including mandatory advertising and responsible gambling Codes of Practice, the Problem Gambling Family Protection Order Scheme, Dicey Dealings school-based education program, and increased funding to the Gamblers Rehabilitation Fund. The Provincial Cities Association wanted to see a regional cities cap, limiting the total number of poker machines in regional cities, but this was not included in the legislation. Executive officer Ian McSporran said the association was not surprised that pokie revenue had continued to rise since the reduction in machines but it had commissioned the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies to conduct further research. "In simple terms...we're not surprised but we're getting the detailed research as well." Mr McSporran said the report should be available in October. Under the new legislation venues with 28 or more machines lost eight machines; venues with 21 to 27 had machines reduced to 20; and venues with 20 machines or less were not affected. Clubs, such as Lincoln South and Waybacks, were not affected.