KIM BOOTH Greens Gaming Spokesperson Tasmanians Lose $73.5 Million on Pokies This Year … So Far. Sunday, 31 May 2009 www.tas.greens.org.au

The Tasmanian Greens today repeated their call for the Bartlett Government to implement the recommendations of the Tasmanian Gaming Commission (TGC) regarding poker machines in Tasmania, in response to the independent SACES Gaming Inquiry, following the release of the poker machine loss figures for April which reveal that Tasmanians lost $18,778,967 on pokies during that month alone.

Greens Gaming spokesperson Kim Booth MP said the Tasmanian losses from pokies for the first four months of 2009 now total $73,550,087 which is a shocking indictment on a Bartlett Government that describes itself as “kind” and “clever” while standing back and doing nothing about the massive losses and social harm caused by the spread of poker machines across the state.

Mr Booth also said that if this loss rate continues, Tasmanians will lose more than $220 million on poker machines this year.

“In April this year the pokies stole $18,778,967 from local communities, businesses and families, an increase of $1,580,021 from the $17,198,946 lost in April last year,” said Mr Booth.

“These latest figures mean that during the first four months of this year alone Tasmanians have lost a shocking $73,550,087 on these insidious machines.”

“The TGC has made a series of recommendations to address the negative impacts of pokies on the community, but the Bartlett Government has ignored these, and meanwhile the losses continue to mount.”

“Pokies must be removed from pubs and clubs. The community cannot afford to lose $220 million a year when people are struggling to put food on the table, pay the bills, and keep a roof over their heads.”

“The self-described ‘kind’ and ‘clever’ Bartlett Government must step in to reduce the social and economic harm being caused by pokies across Tasmania. This is not rocket science as the TGC have already identified what is required, all that is lacking is the will of the Bartlett government, which is fast becoming the biggest gambling addict in the State,” said Mr Booth.

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Kim Booth MP will be available for interview on this issue in Launceston today. Please contact Ben on 0428 510 641 to arrange.

Pokies losses figures available at: http://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/domino/dtf/dtf.nsf/alls-v/E768873632E0B3B5CA2575A1000E2F6C