21 October 2009
PC DRAFT REPORT ON GAMBLING – CHALLENGES AND
OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD
Today’s release of the Productivity Commission’s draft report on gambling presents
challenges and opportunities for the industry, according to the Gaming Technology
Association’s Chief Executive, Ross Ferrar.
The Productivity Commission’s draft report contains a number of recommendations that
are likely to be detrimental to the 140,000 Australians employed in hospitality venues as a
result of the gaming machine industry.
The GTA welcomes the Productivity Commission’s observation that the vast majority of
people who play poker machines do so as “a normal and enjoyable recreational pursuit”.
“We all need to keep this in perspective when considering the Commission’s draft
recommendations. Gaming machines are designed to entertain and the vast majority of
people play for entertainment – a point we will continue to make in our submissions over
the next two months,” said Mr Ferrar
He added, “The GTA supports the commission’s draft recommendations on improvements
to regulatory processes and research. The GTA has long called for national standards and
consistency to reduce red tape and independent, reliable gaming statistics.
“We recognize the problem in drawing stats together on problem gambling and welcome
the PC’s recommendation for the establishment of a National Research Institute”, he
added.
In its draft report, the Commission recognizes that technological developments offer the
prospect of better gambling experiences for consumers, and also new ways of providing
effective harm minimization.
The GTA agrees that technology will play an important role in our industry’s future – a role
that can provide access to world class entertainment and the highest standards of
responsible gambling.
“We need national uniform standards in regard to any national harm minimization
measures and for that matter all regulations across the gaming machine industry”
For further information call:
Ross Ferrar
Tim Allerton
Gaming Technologies Association
City PR
(02) 8216 0931 or 0418 686 075
(02) 9267 4511 or 0412 715 707
Gaming Technologies Association
Level 34, Bridge Street Sydney NSW 20000 Australia
Background:
Australia is a world leader in gaming machine technology and manufacturing.
More than 140,000 Australians are employed in hospitality venues as a result of the
electronic gaming machine (EGM) industry.
2,200 are directly employed in the supply of gaming machines in Australia
Australia’s EGM industry contributes to 3.5 per cent of Australia’s GDP.
Australia’s EGM industry is a valuable export industry – exports of gaming machines
are approximately $1 billion annually
NEWS 
