Peter Jean
June 11, 2008 12:00am
AUSTRALIANS spend far more on gambling than they do on food.
In 2006-07, we spent almost $91.5 million, or $4350 each, on food, Bureau of Statistics figures say.
But gaming industry figures show that in 2005-06 adults spent $148 million -- an average of $9491 each -- on gambling, though the figures do also include tourists.
Family First senator Steve Fielding said yesterday that the statistics painted an alarming picture of the nation's love affair with gambling.
He said governments needed to do more to fight addiction, and he wants to see poker machines phased out of pubs and clubs.
"The Rudd Government can halve the number of problem gamblers by supporting Family First's poker machine plans," he said.
"This would, over time, get poker machines out of our local clubs
and pubs and restrict pokies to racetracks and casinos.
"The Productivity Commission found that in Western Australia, where pokies are restricted to casinos, there would be about 110 per cent more problem gamblers if poker machines were allowed in more venues, like in the eastern states," he said.
June 11, 2008 12:00am
AUSTRALIANS spend far more on gambling than they do on food.
In 2006-07, we spent almost $91.5 million, or $4350 each, on food, Bureau of Statistics figures say.
But gaming industry figures show that in 2005-06 adults spent $148 million -- an average of $9491 each -- on gambling, though the figures do also include tourists.
Family First senator Steve Fielding said yesterday that the statistics painted an alarming picture of the nation's love affair with gambling.
He said governments needed to do more to fight addiction, and he wants to see poker machines phased out of pubs and clubs.
"The Rudd Government can halve the number of problem gamblers by supporting Family First's poker machine plans," he said.
"This would, over time, get poker machines out of our local clubs
and pubs and restrict pokies to racetracks and casinos.
"The Productivity Commission found that in Western Australia, where pokies are restricted to casinos, there would be about 110 per cent more problem gamblers if poker machines were allowed in more venues, like in the eastern states," he said.
