Gambling Foundation Supports Community Picket

May 3, 2007.

Problem Gambling Foundation Supports Community Picket

A picket being organised by a Wellington community organisation is the natural reaction to a recent Gambling Commission decision that a Kilbirnie pub could place pokie machines in an outdoor smoking area, says the Problem Gambling Foundation CEO John Stansfield.

"When the Commission ruled that pokies owners rights to make a profit is more important than protecting the community from gambling harm they clearly misread public opinion," he said.

"We are totally in support of the picket by Pokie Concern Wellington and hope it will send a clear message to the Lion Foundation and the pub owner that their actions may be legal, but they are not acceptable to many of the public."

Mr Stansfield says he will be encouraging others to turn up to support Pokie Concern at the Kilbirnie Tavern in Wellington at 12:30 tomorrow.

He says that pokie machines are designed to have a hypnotic affect on people who play them for extended periods and that smoke free legislation that forced people away from their machines for a cigarette break had proved to be a bonus for at risk gamblers.

"The trance is broken and the gambler has the opportunity to think about whether they really want to keep throwing their money down the throat of a machine," he said.

Mr Stansfield says that the numbers of people seeking help for gambling problems from his organisation has increased recently and there is a great deal more that needs to be done if we are going to get on top of the situation.

"However, it is not all doom and gloom. Treatment does work. If you know someone with a gambling problem contact us now on 0800 664 262.

PGF provides free and confidential services to anyone with - or affected by problem gambling."

ENDS

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