Foundation needs to put facts in front of fiction

21 June 2005

Problem Gambling Foundation needs to put facts in front of fiction

The Problem Gambling Foundation needs to stop making emotive claims it doesn’t support with facts, the Chief Executive of the Charity Gaming Association (Inc), Francis Wevers, said today.

“There is no evidence from any reputable source which supports assertions that gambling related violence is on the increase.

“The Problem Gambling Foundation does everyone a huge disservice by making these totally irresponsible and un-supported claims.

“There is a long history in New Zealand of people in responsible positions falling victim to the temptations of making big winnings through gambling. Though every case is a tragedy for the perpetrator’s victims and family they are still a tiny proportion of the vast majority who have a flutter from time to time for fun.

“Responsible gambling providers recognize that some people have difficulty as gamblers. We take our responsibilities seriously and are investing significant amounts of money to train venue staff in harm minimization strategies.. That is why the members of the CGA are happy to pay the lion’s share of the $54 million which will be spent on problem gambling issues over the next three years.

“But the reality is that most New Zealanders gamble responsibly and know when to stop. These people do not end up in the courts because of their gambling. We need some perspective and calm professionalism rather than pot-shots and emotion,” said Francis Wevers.

ENDS

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