Wesley Mission says the NSW Government’s decision to remove exemptions allowing some pubs and clubs to operate poker machines through the early morning hours is to be commended.*
However, while the change narrows an inconsistency in the system, Wesley Mission says it leaves in place operating hours that continue to expose people to the highest risk gambling behaviour, particularly overnight, when harm is most acute.
Decades of evidence show gambling related harm escalates sharply during late night early hours, when people are tired, isolated and more likely to chase losses. Treating gambling harm as a public health issue requires reform that is designed around when and how harm occurs.
Quotes attributable to Reverend Stu Cameron, CEO and Superintendent, Wesley Mission:
“This long overdue closure of operating hour loopholes is welcomed and to be commended. However, it still leaves many venues able to operate into the early hours the morning, right up to 4am.
Overnight gambling is where harm worsens, addiction deepens and families lose the most. A midnight to 10am shutdown is the reform that would genuinely prioritise harm minimisation.
Removing exemptions may tidy up the system, but it avoids the harder question of whether current operating hours are appropriate at all."
ENDS
*The NSW Government has announced that 659 pubs and clubs will be stripped of an exemption that allows them to operate poker machines between 4am and 10am.
Media contact: Joel MacKay 0455 175 819 or [email protected]
Contact details:
Joel MacKay 0455 175 819 | [email protected]