Last week the Victoria Government in Australia announced new measures to limit poker machines. This week the New South Wales Government is being called upon to reduce the number of pokies following an increase in people admitting gambling problems, particularly with electronic gaming. Female gamblers have been shown to be most at risk, with hotels and clubs offering subsidized food & beverage, shows and competitions to attract them to the venues. It is thought that female problem gamblers are more likely to ask for help, thereby contributing to the rising statistics for women.

The Sydney Problem Gambling Centre, opened in October last year, is reporting around a 50% success rate in radically altering problem gambling behaviour through counselling. The Centre, which offers therapy and counsellors around the clock, is also attracting problem gamblers from outside New South Wales. It is run by the Salvation Army in cooperation with the Fairfield RSL club and its gambling intervention workers provide family and financial counselling services.

The Sydney Problem Gambling Centre has published its first annual report and describes a typical problem gambler as being male, between 36 and 46 years old and also abusing alcohol. Dr Rob Hunter, a pioneer in the treatment of problem gamblers in Las Vegas who has been recruited by the Centre, has said that the coincidence of problem gambling and alcohol abuse is higher in Australia, around 80% of the people counselled. Problem gambling is estimated to affect over 1.5 million gamblers and their families in Australia. (E-10.17.06)

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