New DVD busts myths about the pokies - OLGR NSW

Minister for Gaming & Racing, 30 November 2009

The NSW Government released a new DVD today that attacks commonly-held poker machine superstitions and myths in an effort to reduce problem gambling.

Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene met with problem gambling staff at Mission Australia in Campsie to launch the free DVD, which shows how poker machines work and outlines the remote chances of winning a jackpot.

“This is another tool in the Rees Government’s problem gambling early intervention and prevention program,” Mr Greene said.

“Many problem gamblers believe there’s a way to beat the pokies and this DVD debunks myths like this in a simple manner that reinforces that it all comes down to chance.

“There’s no magic about the pokies. They’re just machines, you can’t do anything to improve your chances of winning and there’s no pattern or skill involved.

“Education is the key to preventing gambling problems, and we’re trying to show that regardless of the lights, sounds and features, pokies are just like any other machine.”

Gaming Machines: Facts and Myths uses common examples and simple facts like:

•Some gamblers incorrectly believe certain pokies are luckier than others while others believe if a poker machine hasn’t paid out for a while it’s ‘due’ for a big win;
•Others wrongly think they can improve the odds by playing faster, increasing bets, or touching the machine a certain way;
•The DVD takes a look inside a poker machine to show it’s just computer chips and wires, explaining how the outcome of each play is completely random;
•and It also makes it clear that by putting all winnings back into the machine, it’s a mathematical certainty that players will lose everything eventually.
The DVD, made in consultation with problem gamblers, counsellors and gaming machine manufacturers, is available to the public online for free at www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au

1,200 copies will also be sent across NSW to Gambling Help counsellors, community information centers like libraries and doctors, lawyers, workplace counsellors, social workers, corrective service workers and others who may encounter problem gamblers.

The DVD will also be produced in Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Greek, Arabic and Italian, and adapted to dispel superstitions unique to these cultures.

Mr Greene said anyone experiencing gambling problems can access help 24-hours-a- day, seven-days-a-week by contacting Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visiting www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au

Source: OLGR
Issued by Community Net

http://www.cnet.ngo.net.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45780&Itemid=223