Legalised gambling facilities and opportunities have expanded greatly in Australia over the last 30 or so years. This has led to substantial increases in amounts wagered, net losses and government revenues, both in nominal and real terms. This Paper concentrates on the financial aspects of gambling and shows how these amounts and the 'mix' of...

IN 2001, poker machine losses in Victoria surged past the $2.3b mark, up almost 10% - or $141m - on the previous year. This growth occurred despite the industry introducing its own Responsible Code of Practice in 1997 and despite the Bracks Labor government introducing a range of new socially responsible gaming policies over the...

Executive Summary

It concludes that, if the position of 'problem gamblers' (those addicted to gambling) is included in the analysis, gambling may well be an economic burden to our society. Anne Hawke writes that in a recent draft report on Australia's gambling industry, the Australian Productivity Commission found that, on balance, gambling has a positive impact on...