Taking away pokies won’t stop problem

By Jim Mynard
TAKING away poker machines would not prevent gambling problems, Four Oaks Ward councillor Rob Wilson said during a City of Casey Council meeting.
Cr Wilson said people addicted to gambling would bet on anything.
He was responding to a move by Mayfield Ward councillor Steve Beardon who had asked that a referendum be held, in conjunction with the Saturday 25 November election, on the acceptance or removal of poker machines.
“To rely on gambling taxes is a nowin situation for the State,” Cr Beardon said.
He said a letter should go to the government with a request that a referendum be held.
Four Oaks Ward councillor Paul Richardson said he supported having a referendum to bring a halt to the use of poker machines.
He said this would teach families to spend their money in the right direction.
“I would like to see people looking after their families,” he said.
Cr Wilson said he was not against a letter going to the government with the request, but thought the debate about poker machines missed the point.
“People addicted have a problem.
“Take the pokies away and they will bet on anything.
“I respect that people should be able to make a choice because many people get pleasure from poker machines.”
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford said reducing the number of machines would have no impact on gambling.
He said that people addicted to gambling would still gamble.
“The best way is to educate young people against gambling,” he said.