Giving Pokies the Punt

In reading this weeks edition of the Liverpool City Champion, I was stunned that anyone in their right mind would want more poker machines in their local community similar to the 30 machines being proposed for a redevelopment of IBIS on the corner of Hume Highway and Grove Street in Casula currently.

The Liverpool Council Area and some of the neighbouring council areas are just plagued with problem gambling and social disadvantage. Don’t we want better for our people? Many argue these machines are just a bit of fun, and that it is up to the individual to make good choices on how much they bet, the reality though is that Poker Machines are placed in high numbers in areas of low social economic value to raise revenue.

If playing a poker machine is just a bit of fun why not reduce max spin to 5c and have a $20 nightly limit imposed on every club and venue?. You can still have a bit of fun but not have to sell your home to keep up with some of the ridiculous betting that goes on. Better still turn them off completely and just have them in Casino’s.

I call on Ned Mannoun and other members of Liverpool City Council to stop this DA application using whatever means at their disposal for the benefit of all local citizens. If you would like to contact the Mayor of Liverpool, please send your views in writing via email to: mayor@liverpool.nsw.gov.au .

Let’s work with our clubs to reduce the amounts able to be played and commit to a 10 year plan to eradicate poker machines from our local council area.

Linked here is an article published by SMH back in March of 2018 which talked about reform of poker machine placement in high risk areas.