Queensland gambling strategy leads the way
Posted by editor (editor) on Jun 10 2010
2010 >>

An evaluation of the Queensland Responsible Gambling Strategy shows that it has been extremely effective in reducing gambling-related harm in Queensland.

Minister responsible for gaming regulation, Peter Lawlor MP, said he believed the strategy, which was first announced in 2002, had been instrumental in Queensland’s diminishing problem gambling prevalence rate.

“Addictions to gambling are devastating to individuals, their families and the general community,” said Minister Lawlor.

“This recent strategy evaluation reports a steady decline in the problem gambling rate since the introduction of the strategy.”

“In 2001 problem gambling affected 0.83 per cent of the Queensland population – our most recent figures show just 0.37 per cent are affected.”

The Queensland Responsible Gambling Strategy outlines the Government’s framework for addressing the potentially adverse impacts of gambling.

The evaluation measures the success of the strategy in achieving its goals, ensuring the Government’s commitment to minimising harm from gambling is appropriate and responsive to the needs of Queenslanders.

“While stakeholders and experts in their field have reacted extremely positively to the strategy and its aims, there’s always room for improvement,” said Minister Lawlor.

“As a result of this evaluation, the Queensland Government will focus on key priority areas, such as continuing to explore effective ways to respond to problem gambling in Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.”

Earlier this year the Productivity Commission released its final gambling inquiry report to the Commonwealth.

“While we await the public release of this report, the strategy evaluation shows that Queensland is well placed to contribute to any nationally agreed response as a member of the Ministerial Council on Gambling,” said Minister Lawlor.

“For example, the Queensland Government has already trialled and rolled out voluntary card-based pre-commitment to clubs and hotels and last year worked with other states and territories to fund and develop a 24 hour online counselling service.”

Last changed: Jun 10 2010 at 2:46 PM