The Western Australian Council of Social Service has slammed the introduction by Crown Perth to enable people to buy gaming chips at the table using debit cards, in a trial starting from Monday.
“This is a deeply disturbing move that will have terrible consequences for people struggling with problem gambling,” said Dr Jennie Gray, Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
“We know that the opportunity to interrupt addictive activities is crucial in providing people with the space to reflect and walk away.
“Anything that makes accessing money easier for problem gamblers is deeply concerning. Unquestionably, people on lower and fixed incomes are going to be the most significantly affected by this.
“The impacts of problem gambling extend far further than financial consequences alone and can have detrimental impacts across people’s lives, from their relationships to work and education.
“Crown Perth should stop this trial before it begins, and if not, the Gaming & Wagering Commission should step in.
“The suggestion that this simply reflects the broader trend in the community towards cashless transactions is absurd. Someone paying by card down at their local shops and facilitating people’s gambling are simply not comparable.
“Nobody wins from the introduction of this trial other than Crown Perth itself,” Dr Gray concluded.
Ends.
Media contact: Laurene Coller, Communications Officer, [email protected], 0419 316 557
