VIC: Toilets to warn gamblers of dangers

AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-1998
VIC: Toilets to warn gamblers of dangers

MELBOURNE, Dec 21 AAP - Victorian gamblers will no longedr be able to say they didn't see
the writing on the wall about gambling addiction.

It was here announced today that toilet walls in 500 pokies venues will soon carry warnings
about the habit.

Community Services Minister Denis Napthine said the use of toilets for the posters telling
punters where they could get help for gaming problems would also enable separate posters to be
designed for men and women.

Research had shown that loneliness was a key reason for women gambling, whereas most men
said they gambled mainly for financial reasons.

Dr Napthine dismissed a suggestion previously raised by the Interchurch Gambling Taskforce
that pokie machines should warn punters they could lose $100 in 10 minutes.

"I think the research shows that when people are gambling they are not going to read those
sort of signs," he told reporters.

"What they are focused on is the actual act of gambling, watching the spinning wheels ...

"I think it is better to have them in the toilets because that way we have their undivided
attention."

Problem gamblers who spent longer in gaming venues, and those who drank, were more likely
to see the posters in the toilets more often.

"The format of convenience advertising will be similar to that found on the back of toilet
doors in airports which has been effective in getting across a message about HIV/AIDs," he
said.

Dr Napthine said the toilet campaign would cost $260,000 and another $300,000 would be
spent on promoting problem gambling services across the state.

A television campaign --- promoting the message for punters to gamble within their means
--- would be put to air in the first half of next year.

AAP lmw/ra/it

KEYWORD: POKIES

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