New Zealand
Anti-Gambling Information Criticized
Estimates published by antigambling
activist group, Gambling Watch, are unscientifically
gathered and misleading the Chief Executive of the
Charity Gaming Association, Francis Wevers, said
today.
"The activists try to obscure the fact that
about $1 million a day is returned by charitable
trusts to the community through grants and taxes.
"In addition to that the Lotteries Grants
Board makes substantial community grants from the
profits generated by Lotto and its other products.
"New Zealand has a unique gambling environment
where the community derives very substantial benefit
from the national pastime of having a flutter on
the horses, the lotto and on gaming machines in
the local pub.
"In addition to this the Government and the
charitable trusts have made sure there is a real
commitment to minimizing the harm gambling may cause
for a very small number of people with gambling
addiction. The gambling industry as a whole is contributing
over $30 million dollars to problem gambling research
and service provision over the next three years.
"This is a responsible industry focused on
the well-being of New Zealanders and creating a
safe way to gamble safely – making spurious
attacks based on misleading information does Gambling
Watch and its zealous activists no credit,"concluded
Francis Wevers.
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