Australian Premiere Claims Poker Does Not Lead To Problem Gambling

Slot machines are considered by many experts to be one of the more addictive forms of gambling in any casino. Australian Premiere John Brumby has now gone on record as saying that there is little link between problem gambling and table games such as poker and blackjack.

Brumby's statements come on the heels of proposed expansion at the Crown Casino. The State Government has been reviewing the deal that allows for the first casino expansion in in a decade. There had been concerns that the possibility of problem gambling had not been addressed.

"There is very little evidence at all...that links problem gambling to the table games, that is blackjack or poker," said Brumby, as reported in The Age, "The overwhelming consideration here is problem gambling."

Victoria stands to benefit greatly from the addition of 150 gaming tables at Crown Casino. The estimate from Brumby is that Victoria would make $132 million in four years from the gambling expansion. That money would be used for health care.

The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation is reviewing the deal to ensure that problem gambling will not become a major issue with the expansion. Brumby contends that it it is the gaming machines that are more of a threat to create gambling addictions than the poker and blackjack tables.

September 8, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

Casino Gambling Revenue Down Five Percent In Detroit For August
James Packer May Go On US Casino Shopping Spree In 2010
$48,000 Nets Hard Rock Hotel And Casino Michael Jackson Glove
New Slot Machines A Big Hit At Florida Seminole Casinos
Gambling Profits Payout Could Land Yakama Nation In Trouble