Oz Productivity Commission Recommendations Slammed - 01-05-10

January 5 - After the Federal Government-selected Productivity Commission issued a report last year over recommendations for the future of gambling in Australia, there have been a number of critics who have come out against the report.

The Commission suggested tightening controls over gambling at venues around the country, but at the same time relaxing rules to pave the path for the introduction of a legal and regulated online gambling industry.

The first to come out against the recommendations was the New South Wales government, which told the Commission that the $1 betting limit proposed in the report (compared to the current $10) would have a "significant impact on the viability of NSW clubs and hotels."

NSW clubs and hotels have now joined this call for the Productivity Commission to rethink its recommendations.

Clubs NSW has said that its club revenues could drop by 30%, forcing nearly 200 of its venues to close and the loss of hundreds of jobs.

South Sydney Jurors, a NSW club, said that limiting poker bets to only $1 would cut $7.8 million from its revenues each year.

"We would need to make significant reductions to staffing levels, levels of commitment to junior sport in the area, mainly Junior Rugby League and levels of entertainment we provide," said the club.

The NSW government also slammed the recommendations relating to online casino gambling.

"Internet gaming has the potential for exponential growth and without proper regulation it could pose serious problems to society and problem gamblers," said the government.

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