Australian gambling body proposes ban on addicts

22 October 2008

SYDNEY, Australia -- As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald: "The measure is one of several proposed by the registered clubs movement to challenge problem gambling.

"Clubs Australia wants laws introduced that require gambling officers to intervene on the request of a family member. Identified problem gamblers would be banned from clubs until they successfully completed counselling.

"A pilot program, operating in South Australia from 2004, had handled 150 complaints and taken formal action in 10 cases.

"It is estimated two per cent of all gamblers in Australia have a problem with gambling. Other measures proposed include a ban on credit cards which are used to pay for many online and telephone gambling sites..."