In the days following the re-introduction of the Gambling Harm Reduction bill, residents and politicians have expressed a great deal of support for the legislation. While most people are caught up in the positive aspects of the bill and what it means for problem gamblers, there are some downsides. Charities across the country are speaking out against the bill, as it has the potential to cut their funding.
In the first reading of the bill, which would give local authorities the power to reduce the number of pokies in their jurisdictions, it was passed by a vote of 83 to 7. It presents a new alternative to gambling reform, and many politicians are on board with the idea.
“I hope that the not-for-profit sector will speak out about this because the community needs our support,” says Kate MacMillion of Riding for the Disabled.
It is a well-known fact that profits from poker machines are used to funding local charities and not-for-profit organizations. Over the course of the past few decades, millions of dollars have been awarded to benefit good causes. Unfortunately, this means that many charities have become dependent on the resource, and will suffer if pokies profits decline.
