Changing conditions reflected in Problem Gambling Lev

Fewer problem gamblers are citing pokie machines as their main reason for seeking help compared with 2006 according to recently released information from the Ministry of Health the Chairman of the CGA, John Burke, said today.

In 2006 nearly 74% of help seekers cited pokies compared with 69% today.
By contrast the number of people who are citing Lotto products has increased more than three-fold to 6%.

Licensed fund raising organisations which operate pokies will still pay the lions share of the problem gambling levy over the next three years - $36.8 million out of $55.3 million.

“We are happy to pay our share of the levy” said John Burke, “and we particularly appreciate the fact that the Government’s decision reflects the major decline in revenue from pokies and the relative reduction in the number of people needing help.”