MEDIA RELEASE

   NICK XENOPHON M.L.C.

INDEPENDENT NO POKIES MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

13 March 2006

CALL TO BAN KIDS POKIES

·       ‘Slot Machine’ game that targets kids is bad news for future problem gambling trends, according to psychologist.

·       Call on Consumer Affairs Minister to act to take game off market, in the same way dangerous toys are banned.

No Pokies MLC Nick Xenophon has called on the State Government to ban a toy pokies game that mimics ‘the real thing’, because of the impact it can have on conditioning young kids to develop gambling problems as adults.  

The game, a ‘Slot Machine – With Realistic Light and Sound’ is available at Go-Lo stores for ‘$39.95’, and has plastic tokens supplied, flashing lights, and pays out like a real machine.  

Prominent Adelaide psychologist Daryl Cross has expressed concerns about the conditioning effects of such a game on young kids. 

Mr Xenophon has called on Consumer Affairs Minister Karlene Maywald to use her powers under Consumer Protection legislation to ban the game.

“My office has been contacted by a number of concerned parents about the game, who are outraged that such a game is on the market. I don’t want the kids of today to become the problem gamblers of tomorrow.”  

“The Minister needs to act immediately with this insidious game. Just as the Minister has the power to ban toys that pose a physical danger to children,, this power should extend to the banning of toys that can lead to behavioural problems and addictions down the track (in much the same way as confectionary cigarettes are banned).”