Media Release

Saturday, 12 April, 2008

PROBLEM GAMBLING SUMMIT ANNOUNCED TO TACKLE POKIES PLAGUE

A problem gambling summit has been announced today to tackle the enormous pokies problem in Sydney ’s south west.

A study of pokies expenditure revealed that residents in Sydney’s south west are the lose most when it comes to problem gambling; with the Fairfield area the most affected – residents losing 78% of household disposable income to local pokies venues (full data at www.thangngo.com).

Fairfield councillor Thang Ngo said pokies are leading to family breakdown, crime and people losing businesses.

“At the same time local clubs are asking for more pokies and creating non-smoking pokies areas” he said.

“We’ve had enough and we’re going to do something about it” he said.

Cr Ngo announced the South West Sydney Problem Gambling Summit scheduled for 16fth May, in association with the Gambling Impact Society (GIS) of NSW.  Details at www.gamblingsummit.org.

“Speakers include gambling counsellors, researchers and industry, including the Australian Hotels Association” he said.

“ Fairfield is one of the most disadvantaged areas in NSW, when you consider we lose 78% of disposable income to pokies, something has to give” he concluded.

Contact: Fairfield Councillor Thang Ngo - 0410 33 88 33
For more information and statistics: www.thangngo.com

South West Gambling Summit is an initiative of Cr Thang Ngo, Bill Cashman with support from local community groups and GIS (NSW)