Earlier this month, Northern Territory politicians announced their plans to potentially introduce poker machines into remote communities. While the plan aims to benefit the economies of these neighbourhoods, responsible gambling advocates have noted that it may cause more harm than good. Treasurer David Tollner made a strong case for the introduction of social clubs and pokies into remote communities.
He argued that the Aboriginal people who live in these areas should not be banned from indulging in alcohol or gambling when those rights are freely given to others. Toller also states that many aboriginal people leave their communities to play pokies and visit social clubs. This harms the local economy by encouraging local residents to spend their money elsewhere.
According to ABC News, responsible gambling advocates are not convinced that the plan will truly benefit locals. Matthew Stevens of the Menzies School of Health has cited research that shows problem gambling can have an adverse effect on the health of children. He states that they experience more adverse health problems than children who come from homes in which gambling is not an issue.
These health issues include scabies and ear infections. Marisa Fogarty of the Centre for Gambling Research has also noted that pokies may not be the healthiest gambling option for Aboriginal individuals. She states that card games help to recirculate money among the community while, but pokies would not have the same effect. It has also been noted that problem gambling rates are higher among Aboriginal populations.
By placing pokies in remote communities, there is the possibility that problem gambling rates will continue to grow. It is considered a counterproductive measure in the effort to reduce gambling losses.
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