Budget papers from the Bracks Government in Victoria reveal that slot machine taxes in the state are set to reach A$1.006 billion (US$766 million) for the year 2006-07, passing the A$1 billion mark for the first time. Total gambling taxes are expected to be a record A$1.556 billion (US$1.18 billion), about 9% of government tax income. Lotteries will contribute around A$309 million and Crown Casino A$118 million.

Victoria has around 30,000 slot machines operating and the A$3033 (US$2309) health benefit levy on each will give the state an extra A$90 million. Of this A$21 million will be spent by the Victoria government on problem gambling strategies. Australia has long been cited as having seen an explosion in problem gambling from the easy accessibility of pokies by the public.

Speaking at the Southern Metropolitan Gambling Forum yesterday, Andrew Manning, a community advocate, pointed out that prohibition of slot machines does not work and that a blanket reduction in machine numbers does not help problem gamblers. "For some people, it's a valid activity, for others it's problematic," he said. "The Government legalised this as an activity so you have to work out the best way you can provide it so you maximise benefits and minimise harm."

A new State Government campaign ‘Starting to Put Your Gambling First’ is the latest in the Victorian Government's communications campaign to address problem gambling. The government is at present reviewing the licence granted to Tattersall’s/Tabcorp, whereby the partnership is allowed to operate 27,500 machines until 2012, and a decision is expected next year. (E-05.31.06)

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