Councillor Thang Ngo believes the sale of the Mekong Club in Cabramatta to Penrith Leagues Club may cause more problem gambling in the Cabramatta/Fairfield area.
Penrith Leagues, who have been regular advertisers on TV, has the money and marketing expertise to promote Mekong Club more actively to residents of Cabramatta according to Cr Ngo.
"Under the ownership of Penrith Leagues, I predict we will see the Mekong Club launch new and aggressive promotions and cheap meal offers all aimed at enticing locals to gamble, especially Chinese residents" said Cr Ngo.
Penrith Leagues obviously see the potential in the Asian gambling dollar according to Cr Ngo.
"What hasn’t been considered are the family break-ups and social problems associated with compulsive gambling that afflicts our community" he said.
Excessive gambling options available in the Cabramatta/Fairfield area, especially the widespread availability of poker machines is a major concern for Cr Ngo.
"I will be asking Council staff to look at how Council can place a cap on the number of poker machines available in the Fairfield Council area" said Cr Ngo
At the same time, I will move in Council to initiate an audit into existing gambling premises to ensure they are providing acceptable responsible gaming information, such as publicising help line numbers"
Everyone knows the problem gambling is getting out of hand. Now, I want to do something about it." concluded Cr Ngo.
ENDS