Protect Vulnerable from Casino Loan Sharks

The Salvation Army Media Release

Tougher Measures Needed to Protect Vulnerable from Casino Loan Sharks

Wellington, 15 August 2007 - The Salvation Army is calling for tougher measures to stop loan sharks preying on vulnerable gamblers at casinos.

Salvation Army National Manager of Addiction and Supportive Accommodation Services, Major Lynette Hutson, says that it is completely unacceptable that loan sharks are permitted to target people on or near casino premises.

'Loan sharks already actively market themselves to vulnerable people in the community such as those struggling with problem gambling behaviour.

'It is incomprehensible that they should be allowed to carry on their pernicious activities inside casinos where it would be only too obvious to them who is in need of fast cash.

'Allowing loan sharks to operate in casinos is like letting the fox into the chicken coup. It does nothing to minimise the harm from gambling but fuels the human misery associated with problem gambling.'

Major Hutson says that people receiving treatment from The Salvation Army for problem gambling have reported that they were able to access loans on casino premises. Media investigations by the NZ Herald and TV1 News, as well as a recent Department of Internal Affairs report, have also confirmed the problem.

'Tighter controls are needed to stop unscrupulous lenders gaining access to casinos, and the casino operators themselves have a duty to protect their customers from being hassled on site by loan sharks.'

The Salvation Army operates Oasis Centres for the treatment of problem gamblers and their families in Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown.

ENDS