NSW:NSW govt backs clubs' pokies campaign

AAP General News (Australia)
04-11-2011
NSW:NSW govt backs clubs' pokies campaign

SYDNEY, April 11 AAP - NSW Tourism Minister George Souris has backed clubs in the campaign
against a federal government poker machine pre-commitment scheme, saying it will cost
jobs and lead to venue closures.

Clubs and hotels will on Monday launch a print, television and radio advertisement
campaign against a proposed mandatory pre-commitment scheme, which independent MPs are
lobbying the federal government for.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has threatened to withdraw his support for Prime Minister
Julia Gillard's government if a mandatory system isn't in place by 2014.

Mr Souris said the scheme would slash poker machine revenues in NSW, sacrificing jobs
and the viability of some clubs.

The NSW government supported a model of voluntary pre-commitment, not a mandatory system,
he said.

"To stay in power, Julia Gillard is prepared to sacrifice thousands of jobs, many food
and entertainment outlets including for seniors, support for sport and community organisations
in every part of NSW," Mr Souris said in a statement.

Mr Souris said a mandatory pre-commitment system would just drive punters underground
or online, and not fix problem gambling.

"It (is) in the interests of all concerned to ensure gambling remained regulated and
if possible in licensed venues rather than either underground or on the internet, where
it is certain the incidence of under-age and problem gambling would increase," Mr Souris
said.

AAP ab/tr/jnb

KEYWORD: POKIES NSW

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.