A submission from the Diocese of Sydney to a state inquiry on gambling has expressed dismay at “the ongoing proliferation and access to gambling” in NSW, and especially the effects on children.
Archbishop Glenn Davies, in a letter to the Select Committee on the Impact of Gambling, said that in particular, the impact of the internet and televised sports wagering means children have “unprecedented exposure to gambling, as it becomes a ‘normalised’ form of entertainment”.
The committee, established last November, is looking at the impact of new electronic forms of gaming on the public and the effectiveness of strategies, including education and pre-commitment, in curbing problem gambling. The panel is chaired by Christian Democratic Party leader the Rev Fred Nile and includes Liberal, Labor, National and Greens members of the Legislative Council.
The Anglican submission congratulates the Government on work already done to treat problem gambling but argues that, given the dominance of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in the market, “reducing the number and location of EGMs and limiting new licences issued for their operation is the first step in tackling the impacts of gambling”.
It also comments on the system of pre-commitment, where gamblers voluntarily give themselves a limit on the amount they can wager. The Archbishop’s letter notes that “a voluntary pre-commitment scheme is unlikely to produce meaningful results” and urges mandatory pre-commitment technology be implemented for EGMs.
“Mandatory, self-chosen pre-commitment will strike a balance between preserving personal autonomy, providing safeguards for members of society who are particularly vulnerable and allowing casual gamblers to have certainty about their gaming limits,” the Archbishop wrote.
The submission backs moves to restrict advertising, particularly to limit the impact on children. “The unwelcome intrusion of online gambling advertising during sporting events, televised at times when children will be watching – for example, all-day cricket matches and afternoon football matches, requires special attention,” it says.
In his letter Archbishop Davies also called on the inquiry committee to consider how the State Government could partner with community organisations to prevent and treat problem gambling.
Papers were also submitted to the inquiry from the Australian Christian Lobby, other churches, medical groups and clubs and hotel lobby groups. A submission from Clubs NSW claimed that “the overall social impact of gambling is overwhelmingly positive even after accounting for the harm experienced [by] problem gamblers and their families”.
The inquiry is expected to report later this year.
Feature photo: Kristina D.C. Hoeppner
