$3 Billion Southport Spit Casino Looks Set to Go Ahead

The Southport Spit Casino Interest has been reignited again after it was initially made public back in April of this year – with our Partners at Download Free Pokies sharing the latest from the Packer and Chinese owned consortium ASF

Artist Impression of the new $3 Billion Casino resort

southport spit casino gets green light

Learn more about the initial plans here – or alternatively of course, keep reading to get more up to date information about the who what where why and when of this new multi billion dollar hotel & casino resort

 

Southport Spit Casino Gets Green Light

Chinese-owned consortium ASF and James Packer’s Crown Resorts plan to build three hotels, a casino, restaurants, retail shops and top end housing on crown land located in Southport Spit.

It is predicted the development would create 10,000 jobs and generate millions of dollars from tourism.

State Development Minister Anthony Lynham would oversee the work to protect and make-over the northern Spit.

southport spit casino plans

 

 

Dr Lynham said in a statement beaches and green space along the Spit was a natural playground for families and visitors, but was “crying out for a make-over, fresh concepts and more public amenities”.

“In the new year, we will work-up a detailed plan for the approximately 140 hectares of coastal parkland – an area nearly eight times the size of Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands,” he said.

“I will consult with Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and seek his input on how we can best rejuvenate the Southport Spit and protect the popular landmark as public amenity space in perpetuity.”

The ASF Consortia has been in talks with James Packer’s Crown Resorts and that group is expected to operate the casino.

The Queensland government on Friday approved significant expansion to Mr Packer’s rival State Entertainment Group’s development at Broadbeach’s Jupiter’s Casino.

Then on Sunday, the ASF Consortia released their newest artist impressions.

Artist Impression-Southport Spit Casino-Crown Resort and ASF Consortia 1

The drawings show:

  • Three, five and six star hotels;
  • Restaurants, theatres, retail precincts;
  • A 1200-seat Broadwater amphitheatre;
  • Public access to the Broadwater pedestrian walkways, public boat moorings and beaches.

ASF director Louis Chien said the project would invest $3 billion into the Gold Coast, create an estimated 10,000 jobs and attract a projected 1.5 million additional tourists to the Gold Coast each year.

“This $3 billion project will deliver a world-class waterfront destination that provides an immediate and ongoing economic boost and significant jobs for the Gold Coast, with benefits flowing across Queensland,” Mr Chien said.

The bid is bound to again re-ignite community debate between conservationists and pro-development groups over future development on the state government-owned Southport Spit.

Southport Spit an EyeSore?

The ASF Consortia’s proposal to go ahead with their five-hectare site located immediately to the south of Sea World comes at the expense of the national park currently located on the crown owned land. However, this area is apparently “run down” and “dilapidated” and is in desperate need of a makeover and some money and time invested in it.

“North of the council car park, north of Sea World, this land will be protected in perpetuity,” Dr Lynham told reporters.

Dr Lynham had no further details to add, only saying that he hoped to speak to Gold Coast City Council this week to co-ordinate improvements to parkland and car parks, which he described as “rundown.”

The new casino proposal from ASF Consortia includes drawings of a new bridge to the Southport Spit, close to the existing Sunland Bridge as one proposal to improve traffic on the Spit.

To put it into perspective, this is how Southport Spit looks today:

southport spit as it looks today

And the artists impression using the same angle:

southport spit casino gets green light

 

Council Approval on Cruise Control

Until last month it had not been discussed by the local council.

In completely separate proposals the council is investigating the viability and design of a nearby cruise ship terminal on the southern, coastal side of Southport Spit.

Southport Spit Cruise ship Terminal and Casino

 

The council was keen to have a traffic circuit-breaker before approving that project.

Dr Lynham gave a general comment that existing privately owned companies could contribute to further development and conservation on the Spit.

“There are many opportunities for people who are on the Spit already – Versace, Sheraton Mirage, Sea World – who would like to contribute to seeing this place protected.”

Another proposal unrelated to this Southport Spit Casino is for a huge cruise ship complex that would rival some of the world’s best. Here is an artist’s impression of this huge cruise ship terminal, resort and hotel complex proposed for the Gold Coast

Gold Coast Cruise Ship Terminal Artist Impression

 

Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil, Casino Evil

Hear No Evil & Speak No Evil – We All Know That.

But Did You Know: Casino Evil?

Casino Evil - dont speak or hear it either

We’ve all heard about the three wise monkeys of ancient folklore, sometimes called the three mystic apes but just how much did you know about this trio of bipeds? Let’s Speak Hear and See if we can’t find out where it all came from and what if anything is the meaning behind it all…

The 3 Wise Monkey’s Don’t Gamble. #JustSaying

3 wise monkeys agree Casino Evil

More About The 3 Wise Monkeys

The three wise monkeys (Japanese: 三猿 Hepburn: san’en or sanzaru?, alternatively 三匹の猿 sanbiki no saru, literally “three monkeys”), sometimes called the three mystic apes, are a pictorial maxim. Together they embody the proverbial principle “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”.

The three monkeys are:

  • Mizaru, covering his eyes, who sees no evil
  • Kikazaru, covering his ears, who hears no evil, and
  • Iwazaru, covering his mouth, who speaks no evil.

There are various meanings ascribed to the monkeys and the proverb including associations with being of good mind, speech and action. In the Western world the phrase is often used to refer to those who deal with impropriety by turning a blind eye.

Outside Japan the monkeys’ names are sometimes given as Mizaru, Mikazaru, and Mazaru, as the last two names were corrupted from the Japanese originals. The monkeys are Japanese macaques, a common species in Japan.

modern version of see, speak and hear no evil
modern version of see, speak and hear no evil

The True Origins of the Expression

Despite Wiki and other sources citing the origins as being Japanese, I have it on good authority that this is far from the case, and the truth it seems is far more strange than anything anyone could make up.

Sometimes there is a fourth monkey depicted, Shizaru, who symbolizes the principle of “do no evil”. He may be shown crossing his arms or covering his genitals. In another variation, a fourth monkey is depicted with a sulking posture and the caption “have no fun”.[citation needed]

According to Osho Rajneesh, the monkey symbolism originated in ancient Hindu tradition and Buddhist monks spread this symbolism across Asia. The original Hindu and Buddhist version contains 4 monkeys and the fourth monkey covers his genitals.The Buddhist version means this as “Don’t do anything evil”.

Modern take on this 4th monkey is less about the doing and more about the giving – specifically looking at the number of fucks being allocated.

The example shown clearly displays the number of fucks given as 0

The 4th Wise Monkey Actually Has Some Profoundly Helpful Advice

In Hindu original version the meaning of the fourth monkey is totally different from the popular Buddhist version. It means, “Hide your pleasures. Hide your enjoyment, don’t show it to anybody.”

Basically what they are saying is that if you win a jackpot at the casino then don’t tell anyone or show them because they will want some of it and then the taxman will claim some and then the government and some kid you didn’t even know you had will show up demanding a cut and before you know it you are worse off than when you started?!?! Hide your winnings is what they were trying to tell us.

Hide your wheelbarrow too. Looks suss unless you have a couple of hoes in the back or something.

The following images better portray the true origins and hint at the meaning behind the ancient Japanese proverb.

Casino Evil indeed.

CASINO EVIL with Mogul’s with James Packer and Sheldon Adelson

hear no evil and speak no evil and Casino Evil

hear no evil and speak no evil and Casino Evil

hear no evil and speak no evil and Casino Evil

But Be Sure to ALWAYS Laugh with Evil. Dr Evil that is

Check out our online casino reviews and recommendations for a list of the best non-evil casinos for Australian punters to enjoy

Faith in Humanity Restored – The Best of 2016

Negative Nancy Need Not Apply

The world is so full of negativity – and social media only serves to exacerbate this fact. Let’s remind ourselves what a wonderful world we live in and restore our faith in humanity with this compilation of inspiring photos, heartfelt stories and moments captured in photo that encapsulate the human spirit

Restore Your Faith in Humanity With These 60+ Heart Warming moments captured on camera.

People Before Pokies

While we here at Online Pokies Australia actively promote the playing of online pokies and other gambling related casino games we still believe in humanity above and beyond anything else. So strong is our passion for people over pokies that we decided to put this compilation of wonderful moments together because if anyone is going to accept responsiblity for spreading positive juju its a bunch of Aussie punters who are promoting something that we all know ain’t exactly “charitable”

Enjoy this easing of our conscience compilation of wonderful moments and inspirational people reminding us that you don’t need extreme sports to see that people are awesome

faith in humanity restored - best of 2016

Aussies Top World Gambling Stats… Again

Whether you call them fruit machines, slot machines, slots, pokies, or ‘stupid bastard mother #&$*@!!’ they are all the same thing. How countries react to these insidious machines however is so varied and different it makes you wonder who is right and more importantly, why Australia is so bloody messed up?!

It is a fact that countries around the world have different approaches to regulating electronic gambling machines. They are the subject of fierce political and social debate in Australia – namely because they generate so much revenue for the government. The legal side of ‘regulating play’ however shows a huge disparity between nations and offers some insight into why we’re so bloody bad down under?!

As the chart from 2014 shows, these stats are nothing new. Sad but hey, at least w’ere consistent!….groan

average-aussie-gambling-loss-per-adult-copy

Let’s examine the gambling laws and regulations put in place for each nation and see whether this does in fact reveal a trend and perhaps maybe even a fix? (What, a man can dream can he not?)

AUSTRALIA

true blue australian pokies

In Australia, laws regulating the use of gaming machines differ in each state, but it is the only nation to have a universally-agreed definition of ‘problem gambling’ based on research and not psychological diagnostics.

Pokies garner by far the highest revenue of all betting activities (horse and dog racing, table games and others), according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ figures.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie offered his support for the Labor government in return for a federal law that would cap the amount gamblers can spend using mandatory commitment technology. However, the government backed out of its promise to honour Wilkie’s demands.

total-social-cost-of-problem-gambling

There is at least one casino in each major city. In 1956, New South Wales was first to legalise gaming machines for all registered clubs and pubs.

There are nearly 200,000 machines in Australia, and 100,308 of these are in NSW. The national figure is five times that of the US and represents around 20 per cent of all gaming machines in the world.

Revenue from gaming machines in pubs and clubs accounted for more than half of the gambling revenue collected by state governments in 2002-3.

  • In NSW and Victoria the mandatory return rate for machines in pubs and clubs in 87 per cent, and that applies to those in Melbourne’s Crown Casino too.
  • In Queensland, the return rate is 85 per cent in pubs and clubs, while casino machines must have a rate of 90 per cent.
  • Machines that accept $100 notes were banned in December 2007, except for in Crown Casino, where VIP members may still use them.
  • Machines with an automatic play button (that continued betting without any action from the gambler) were also banned.
  • All gaming machines in Victoria have an information screen showing return to player percentage and the odds of winning.
  • Machines in pubs are limited to paying out a maximum of $10,000 for a win.
  • In Western Australia, gaming machines are banned everywhere except in Burswood casino.

NEW ZEALAND

Since 1991, pokies operated by charitable foundations have been placed in hotels and bars. Maximum jackpots are regulated, with turnover decreasing by 9 per cent between 2004-8 and a further 5 per cent by 2009.

Pokies still accounted for 46.1per cent of gambling losses in 2008. The number of pokies in NZ is decreasing.

All machines must have Player Information Displays telling the gambler how long they have been playing, how much they have lost, and encouraging them to take breaks.

A 2010 study linked the prevalence of slot machines with high crime levels

UNITED KINGDOM

The UK divides slot machines – known colloquially as ‘fruit machines’ – into eight categories with differing limits on the amount of money that can be gambled and the amount the machine can pay out.

  • Category A machines – which have no limit on either spending or payout – are currently illegal.
  • Category B machines are divided into five sub-categories.
  • For B1, the maximum bet is £2 and the maximum prize £4,000, while category B2 machines allow a £100 stake (in multiples of £10) but will only pay out £500.
  • Category B3 allows only a £1 bet for a £500 payout, while B4 has the same spend limit and half of the payout (£250).
  • Category C is limited also to a £1 stake for a possible win of just £70.
    Category D allows bets of 10 pence to £1 and will only pay out £8 cash or £50 non-cash.

UNITED STATES

Slot machines are highly regulated by state governments in the US, with the exception of Nevada, which is a hub for gamblers visiting Las Vegas.

In New Jersey, gaming machines are only allowed in hotel casinos in Atlantic City.

In Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana and Missouri the machines are allowed only on licensed riverboats or permanently-anchored barges.

Mississippi removed a requirement that casinos operate only on barges after Hurricane Katrina, in order to recuperate its massive losses by stimulating tourism.

Delaware allows slot machines at horse tracks regulated by the state lottery commission.

Wisconsin bars and taverns are allowed to have up to five machines, and players can choose between taking a payout, or gambling it on a double-or-nothing “side game”.

Slot machines are banned on Native American reservations unless the tribe first reaches a pact with the state entitling the state to receive a fraction of the gross revenue from the machines.

RUSSIA

russian-pokemon-goA rapid increase in gaming machines caused severe social problems in Russia in the first decade of the 21st century, with psychiatric reports estimating that 1.5 million people in Moscow gambled regularly.

The state was not collecting taxes from gambling activity, creating economic pressure as well.

In 2007, gambling of any kind was banned in all but four regions of Russia from 2007, with an amnesty period for existing establishments ending in 2009.

In the four regions – Altay, Kaliningrad, Rostov and Primorie slot machines are tightly controlled.

Owners of gambling premises with slot machines are obliged to secure the safety of gamblers and the machines must pay out not less than 90 per cent of all takings.

There are restrictions on the net assets gambling operators may own.

JAPAN

Gambling is a criminal offence in Japan, but a game called ‘pachinko’ – like a form of pinball – provides a loophole and works the same way as poker machines.

Gamblers put money into the pinball machines, and if the player’s ball falls into a certain hole the slot machine is activated and a jackpot may be made.

Since gambling is illegal, there can be no payout in the pachinko parlour, but players are rewarded with balls that can be converted into prizes of at a booth in the parlour.

The most popular prizes are slits of gold encased in plastic, which can be ‘sold’ at a neighbouring shop – usually also owned by the parlour – for cash.

MACAU

Gambling tourism makes up about 50 per cent of the economy, with visitors mainly Chinese nationals from the mainland and Hong Kong.

All kinds of gambling are legal in Macau’s 33 casinos, including slot machines.

They operate under a common set of rule relating to tax and criminal law, but there is no set minimum percentage of return, no licensing system for vendors, no fines for breaching gaming laws and no legal framework to address problem gambling. However, vendors are charged a tax premium for slot machines in their establishments.

Legislation to be enacted in March 2012 plans to remove slot machine parlours from residential areas.

Macau overtook the Las Vegas Strip in gaming revenues in 2007 after gambling licenses were opened up to foreign operators – notably from Las Vegas and Australia.

FRANCE

Slot machines were banned in France until 1988, but are now legal. A state-owned body called Française des Jeux is responsible for regulating betting games and lotteries. France has 160 licensed casinos.

NORWAY

Norway banned all slot machines in 2007 and had them removed immediately from gaming premises.

A study conducted on their effect showed that 80 per cent of users were problem gamblers, and there was a considerable over-representation of men among them. The study also found that slot machines were the predominant type of gambling in the year prior to the ban.

IRELAND

Slot machines have been banned in many local authority areas including Dublin City, which outlawed them in 1987.

However, dozens of private members’ clubs offering similar games operate around the country.

In 2011, the Minister for Justice was considering a proposal to legalise more gambling activities in order to stimulate the country’s faltering economy.

Australia's Growing Gambling Crisis – It's the Crown or the Country

It seems that although the fight against problem gambling has a lot of support – the opponents we face have more experience and worst of all, they really know how to Packer punch.

Will saying no to the Crown reduce problem gambling in Australia?
Is it time to become a gambling republic once and for all?

It’s certainly got me stumped. Royally in fact.

The following press release was distributed to the top News agencies in Australia earlier today and we felt it necessary to share this with our readers as well – look out for this story in your local paper tomorrow!

Australia's Growing Gambling Crisis – It's the Crown or the Country

Will a Gambling Republic Reduce Harm and Minimise Pokie Addiction?

_______________________________

JAMES PACKER’S GROWING CASINO PORTFOLIO IS IN DIRECT CONFLICT WITH AUSTRALIA’S EFFORTS TO COMBAT PROBLEM GAMBLING AND MINIMISE THE IMPACT THIS IS HAVING ON SOCIETY AS A WHOLE. PACKER’S CASINO RESORT GROUP UNDERMINES OUR BEST EFFORTS TO FIGHT THIS PROBLEM AND LEAVES US ASKING THE QUESTION – WOULD AUSTRALIA BE BETTER OFF WITHOUT THE CROWN?

___________________________

Australia, (September 27, 2016) – A $3 BILLION casino plan for the Southport Spit is expected to go before State Cabinet within weeks as a new poll reveals widespread support for the proposal.

This seems to be in direct conflict with an ever-growing crisis of gambling addiction and excessive pokie spend that targets the most disadvantaged suburbs and bears a social cost of over $4 billion a year. (Learn more here)

OnlinePokies.com.au last week exclusively revealed plans by Chinese-owned ASF for a casino, operated by James Packer's Crown group, between Sea World and Palazzo Versace. As well as an up-market casino targeting Asian high-rollers, the game-changing project would boast three towers, seven high-end restaurants and a Florida Keys-style bridge linking The Spit to Southport to ease traffic congestion. Sea World would also double in size, add a water park and become the biggest theme park in the country. Work could start as early as next year.

(See this article HERE where we cover the plans for this new casino in more detail)

Packer Lacks Local Support – Not That He Gives a Toss

Packer plans another casino and will probably get it- he always does Wait!? Did they think I might actually care? DYING!

While a poll apparently compiled for The Sunday Mail has shown strong backing for the plan from Gold Coasters the ReachTEL poll of over 1000 coast residents reveals that less than half supported the casino development with over 37% strongly against the idea*

*The ReachTEL poll of 1098 Coast residents on Thursday night found 45.3 per cent supported the development, with 37.8 per cent opposed and 16.9 per cent undecided. – This doesn’t even take into account the environmental impact – of which assessments need to be completed.

save-southport-spit-says-residents-luke-sorensen-and-son-kyal Residents like Luke Sorenson and son Kyle are against the proposal and are well aware of the negative impact it will have on both the environment and the community

OnlinePokies.com.au have spoken exclusively to The State Government and local members who are progressing the proposal and informed us it will be considered by Cabinet soon.

While we cannot confirm or deny how Mr Packer feels about the lack of local support it would be fair to assume that he couldn’t give two shits and is busy filing his care factor towards the whole thing somewhere between ‘None’ and ‘Buckleys’*

*This is based on past experiences and the fact James Packer has more political influence and overall power than most. Oh and there’s the golden rule.

THE GOLDEN RULE – He who has the GOLD makes the RULES

The Southport Spit Casino Proposal Looks …Unsightly

southport spit crown casino proposal from Packers Crown Resort Group

southport spit crown casino proposal from Packers Crown Resort Group

The Ever Growing Crown of Thorns

A Press Release from a few months back highlights the concern we have towards Packer’s growing portfolio – because it seems that the moment one Casino gets the green light he goes and starts proposing more!?!

Australia, (August 31, 2016) – James packer is all set to start his new construction project, a spectacular Crown Casino Resort that will take $2 billion to develop. This new project which will alter the Sydney skyline greatly has just got final go-ahead from NSW Planning Commission. The new James Packer owned casino is part of the growing Crown group (which will soon expand its portfolio with a proposed $3 Billion Casino at Southport Spit) and when completed, Barangaroo Crown Casino will become the most luxurious casino and resort in the Southern Hemisphere.

If packer truly gets to achieve what he plans to do with this new casino, Barangaroo Crown Casino is going to be a one of a kind landmark in the area. The hotel is supposed to be a 6 star hotel according to James Packer. However, the international rating system and the formal accommodation rating system in Australia or the Triple A system can only go up to 5 stars. However there are lots of new exciting features that this hotel can boast of that may make it a tad more than just a 5 star hotel. For starters, it is going to have a facade that will look like three petals twisted and winded together which will be veiled by using white glass. It is also going to become the tallest building in Sydney with a height of 270 meters or more. The project is going to be designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects that has previously worked on notable landmarks like London 2012 Basketball Arena and Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.

barangaroo crown casino is Packers latest casino jewel in his crown

Further Reading:

Go to OnlinePokies.com.au - better odds and payout rates all round. But shhhhhhh Go to OnlinePokies.com.au – better odds and payout rates all round. But shhhhhhh

You Don’t Win Friends With Salad

One of the things we love about casino gaming is the friends we make along the way. Gambling should be a social activity, enjoyed over beers and along with plenty of good conversation and laughter. Unfortunately, there are a few gamblers who spoil the social experience for everybody. You know who I'm talking about. We've all seen them at least once. Those vegetables in front of the fruit machines, who show no signs of life other than that repetitive action as they pull the lever or press that button over and over (and over) again. Even a jackpot elicits no more than a smile and a nod, and it's back to pulling the lever and/or pushing that button again.*

*Addiction by Design by Natasha Dow Schull

More information is provided in the below resources and links but since it is so intrinsically linked to the above point I wanted to highlight her findings for you here:

natasha-dow-schull-addiction-by-designDrawing on fifteen years of field research in Las Vegas, anthropologist Natasha Dow Schüll shows how the mechanical rhythm of electronic gambling pulls players into a trancelike state they call the machine zone, in which daily worries, social demands, and even bodily awareness fade away. Once in the zone, gambling addicts play not to win but simply to keep playing, for as long as possible-even at the cost of physical and economic exhaustion. In continuous machine play, gamblers seek to lose themselves while the gambling industry seeks profit. Schüll describes the strategic calculations behind game algorithms and machine ergonomics, casino architecture and ambience management, player tracking and cash access systems-all designed to meet the market's desire for maximum time on device.

Source: http://www.natashadowschull.org/

It appears the vegetable in all of us is just waiting to be exposed by these insidious machines. Just give them enough time…

Play Pokies for Fun – Don’t be a Vegetable Playing Fruit Machines

pokies play you so gambling reform is needed badly

It's easy to blame them for having no willpower, but it's not entirely their fault. Those slot addicts aren't just driven by greed or sloth. They're made that way by machines designed to create addictive impulses and promote destructive behaviour.

As the image to the left shows – the Pokies play you and not the other way around. The sooner you realise this the sooner you stand a chance of beating them once and for all. Visit PokiesPlayYou.org.au to learn more

Psychologists have found that slot addiction starts with over-stimulation of the reward centers in the brain. Ever wondered why slot machines light up and play music the moment you get a single chip back, even if you've lost 99 chips on that bet? Well, all that stimulation can trick your brain into thinking you've won – whether that's true or not. And because all humans crave rewards, our brains start to crave that stimulation and we start to crave the slot machines. That's how the vegetable is born.

Learn more about the various design aspects that combine to create the electronic morphine and crack cocaine of gambling that Poker machines are often referred.

Ka-Ching! Pokie Nation Documentary exposed and copyright laws bypassed with amazing Infographic! Click here to access and share this awesome resource.

Entertainment? More Like Zombie-tainment

pokies-create-zombie-entertainment

While we all gamble to get away from our worries for a little while, vegetables take that to an extreme. Ever notice how pokie addicts ignore you when you speak to them, can't seem to make eye contact and are basically the most socially awkward people on Earth? That's because they aren't inhabiting the same world as you and I – not mentally, anyway. Psychologists have found that the escapist element of slot machines contributes heavily to its addictive potential – especially since it's enhanced by fantastical game plots and otherworldly visuals. When vegetables give themselves over to the pokie world, real-world responsibilities like jobs and family, and real-world interactions, become alien to them.

Conclusion and Take Away

So if there's a lesson in all of this, it's that pokies and slot machines are to be treated with great caution. If you can, play online, where you're free from the environment of the casino floor where the absence of windows and clocks combines with the positive reinforcing sounds from so many machines encourages you to play longer and harder than you might normally.

Playing online pokies might not necessarily be the best answer but for the thousands of us who enjoy a poke from time to time and can happily take it or leave it, the online option provides a much safer and more enjoyable gambling experience.

Jump over to any of our recommend online casinos and check out the incredible range of free and real money pokies and casino games and find out why so many of your neighbours have already made the switch.

You may not be convinced but at the end of the day it comes down to the simple facts:-

  • Noone wants to talk to a Vegetable playing a Fruit Machine
  • – and you most definitely cannot win friends with salad!

you dont win friends when you have a gambling problem - or salad

It’s just a fact is all.

Gambling Reform Needed More Than Ever – The Facts Are Overwhelming!

Ka-Ching! Pokie Nation first exposed us to how truly insidious pokies really are – opening our eyes to the extent of corruption that keeps these addiction machines in circulation whilst actively growing their numbers and the number of regular players.
These players are the future addicts and contributors to the almost $5 billion a year that the Australian Government makes from Gambling tax and related revenue.

stop the con and support gambling reform and pokie reform to improve the lives of all Australians

And as the stats continue to break new records and put Australia on top of the biggest losers pile the evidence for a need for gambling reform grows exponentially. In fact this article posted yesterday on RSLPokies.com reveals how Australia have smashed all previous records, losing a record $23 billion in the last financial year – check out the article HERE

Australians Lose More Per Capita Than Any Other Nation

Australians lost more than $1200 each through gambling last year, according to fresh figures. We know that behind the averages, many of those who lose the most can least afford it. These are shocking numbers, laying bare the extent of social harm done by gambling.

The data from Australian Gambling Statistics reveals Australian punters lost almost $23 billion last year, $5.8 billion in Victoria. While there has been an explosion in sports betting, up 30 per cent, by far the biggest cause of gambling losses is poker machines, which alone are responsible for $11.6 billion down the drain. This, as public health expert Dr Charles Livingstone says, is the “600-pound gorilla of Australian gambling”.

But It’s The Pokies We Need To Be Wary Of

poker machines suck the most money from problem gamblersMore than 75 per cent of those directly experiencing harm from gambling use poker machines. It is in this sector that gaming reform advocates such as Tim Costello, Senator Nick Xenophon and MP Andrew Wilkie have long called for reforms including $1 maximum bets and mandatory pre-commitment on poker machines. Banning the practice of credit betting – gambling with money that you don’t even have – has recently been added to this list.

OnlinePokies.com.au supports these reforms and urges the federal and Victorian governments to enact them, showing a genuine commitment to reducing the harm caused by problem gambling. Just as the amounts of money lost to gambling have grown rapidly in recent years, so too has our understanding of this behaviour. We know now that many who gamble are addicts and that gambling irresponsibly has a drastic impact on not just the punter, but also the wider community, in particular their families and friends.

 

Sports betting has rapidly drawn a younger cohort to gambling. Anyone with a smart phone can bet anywhere, any time, and the many different ways to bet on sporting fixtures is dizzying. All of this is also aggressively marketed. Calls for reforms are not wowserism or the thin edge of the wedge towards banning gambling outright. It has been well established that prohibition is an ineffective way to minimise harm in the case of addiction. Regulation and education are far better ways to reduce the damage to the individual and the community, as the internationally recognised success of this nation’s long-standing policy to reduce tobacco smoking demonstrates.

While there has been some welcome action, such as the Victorian government’s recent ban on betting ads near schools and public transport, successive governments have stopped short of bigger changes, particularly around pokies.

The X-Men of Pokie Reform Can Only Do So Much…

It is fair for critics such as Xenophon and Costello to argue governments have failed on gambling reform. While governments continue to benefit so directly from pokies, they leave themselves open to charges that self-interest is behind their lack of will to act. The politics of pokies is as insidious as the machines themselves.

pokies-and-gaming-machine-revenue-2008The Government are actually the biggest pokie addicts of them all – and THAT is a problem
Governments are metaphorically addicted to money from gambling. In Victoria, for example, about $2.5 billion a year is lost to electronic gaming machines, of which $1 billion goes to the government – representing close to 10 per cent of the entire tax take.

 

There is a desperate need to combat this problem. Xenophon is committed to reintroducing his proposed gaming legislation, which will include limiting advertising and banning credit betting. Human Services Minister Alan Tudge has also promised to introduce legislation, and we urge the government to commit to genuine reforms.

The financial losses and social harm caused by problem gambling are undeniable – and are fuelled by addiction, not healthy social behaviour.

What Can You Do?

If you want to make a difference and have your voice heard then the best thing you can do is join the Alliance for Gambling Reform and add your signature to the growing list of Australians who have had enough and want to see positive chance for the first time in our illustrious pokie history

Follow the link and/or image below to add your name to the growing list and tell the government once and for all that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

the case for pokies and gambling reform is overwhelming

I stand against Poker Machines Designed to Addict!

 

Woolworths Reward Addiction With Pokies Card

Woolworths have already established themselves as the Pokie People and one of the most destructive forces ever to impact this great southern land of ours. In fact we were recently saddened to read that Woolworths and their co-owned ALH Group were actively targeting children and families in the pubs and clubs – so this latest news is actually not surprising at all. Woolworths have well and truly let their feelings be known and I for one would like to be the first to ask them to kindly GO AND FUCK THEMSELVES SLOWLY IN THE ARSE WITH A STOP SIGN (top first)

woolworths-the-pokie-people

It’s Fly Buys for Pokie Addicts and Gamblers in General

Anti-poker machine campaigners have slammed supermarket giant Woolworths for introducing a frequent gambling rewards card for poker machines in its string of pokie pubs.

What is it exactly?

The card, designed by poker machine manufacturer Bally Technologies, allows marketing messages to be flashed up on the gambler’s machine as they play, meaning they can order drinks from the machine without interrupting play.

Anti-pokies campaigner Paul BendatAnti-pokies campaigner Paul Bendat agreed the card is “essentially a Fly Buys for gambling”. “You sign up for a card, you give them a bunch of your personal details and every time you gamble on one of their poker machines, you insert the card,” Mr Bendat said.

“[Voluntary pre-commitment] is the cornerstone of the harm-minimisation policy of the current Victorian Government, ALP, and the past Coalition. And [This card] is entirely counterproductive. There is no morality in it.”

Woolworths’ move is in direct response to government calls for harm minimisation measures to prevent problem gambling. In December, the ALH Group, which is 96 per cent owned by Woolworths, will roll out the Monty’s Reward card in Victoria and Queensland as its “voluntary pre-commitment” measure, after it was piloted in New South Wales. Independent senator Nick Xenophon branded Woolworths’ decision as cynical.

“What was meant to be a harm minimisation measure has been turned by Woolworths into a harm-exacerbation measure by using this card,” he said. “This isn’t so much a loyalty card as an addiction card.”

mounties-reward-card-flybuys-for-pokie-players

…an addiction card they can now renew online in four easy steps I might add!

Voluntary Pre-Commitment SCHERMITMANT!

even-the-rock-can-see-through-your-bullshit-slot-machine-tips

Buried at the end of the card’s brochure is a paragraph on voluntary pre-commitment – which means the gambler has the option to limit their spending – however, the pre-commitment only lasts for 24 hours. (SEE BELOW for copy of Monty's Rewards Ts&Cs)

http://www.montysrewards.com.au/docs/montys_Ts&Cs.pdf

  1. Voluntary Pre-Commitment 12.1 For Members utilising Monty's Rewards at Participating Venues other than in Victoria: 12.1.1 Members may utilise Voluntary Pre-Commitment in conjunction with their Monty's Card. Procedures for doing so are set out in the brochure accompanying the Monty's Rewards application form and as varied and/or replaced from time to time by ALH as detailed on the Website. 12.1.2 If utilised, the Voluntary Pre-Commitment will allow a Member to set a limit on: (a) the amount of time, in a 24 hour period determined by ALH, that the Member may play Games using their Monty's Card; and/or (b) the Member's net loss, in a 24 hour period determined by ALH, on Games played using their Monty's Card. 12.1.3 If a limit referred to in clause 12.1.2 above is reached, the Member will receive an electronic notification superimposed on the screen of the machine upon which the Game is then being played. At that time, although the Member may continue playing Games, the Member will cease to earn Monty's Points as a result of any further Games played before the commencement of trading at a Participating Venue on the next trading day. 12.1.4 If a Member has set a limit referred to in clause 12.1.2 above, any new limit set by the Member that increases the amount of time or net loss, will not take effect until commencement of trading at a Participating Venue on the next trading day.

WoolWorths Are Commited To The Responsible Service of Gaming… MY ARSE!

Let’s open this can of bullshit and expose Woolworths Limited for the lying bunch of fuckwits that they are – because what Woolies deem to be ‘effective measures to minimise gambling harm’ is quite simply not.

Time to Open a Can!

You comfortable? Because I have a feeling this is going to be a long and revealing look into the depressing disconnect between what the ALH Group SHOULD be doing and what the ALH Group ARE doing.

I have taken the liberty of supplying the ALH Group Responsible Service of Gaming requirements and commitments are – please see below where I will summarise each point and then highlight why it’s a PILE OF BULLSHIT

We have a clear commitment to be Australia's most responsible hotel and gaming operator – proudly going above and beyond what's required by legislation – Bruce Mathieson Jnr CEO ALH Group

ALH Charter – Responsible Hotels and Gaming Commitment (544042d98e8a7.pdf)

  • All gaming machines to have voluntary pre-commitment limits installed by 2014 – two years ahead of any legislation.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-17/woolworths-slammed-by-anti-pokies-groups-gambling-rewards-card/6784210

  • Comprehensive training including full day annual training for management and key staff at all hotels – mandated.

Report Findings However Indicated Quite the Opposite:

No ALH Staff that we spoke to had ever received any formal training on how to recognize the signs of pokie addiction and/or what steps they should take to reduce the harm and provide the support needed.

NSW Department of Liquor and Gaming –

Responsible Conduct of Gambling

responsible-conduct-of-gamblingGaming machines are allowed in registered clubs and hotels. Licensees and venue staff have responsibilities when operating gaming machines.

Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) helps to ensure compliance with the law, reduce gambling related issues and to promote safety (harm minimisation) in venues where there are gaming machines.

Why do you need RCG training?

RCG training is mandatory if your work duties involve gaming machines. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • licensees of a full hotel licence
  • secretaries of a registered club
  • staff with gaming machine duties
  • staff who pay out winnings
  • staff who patrol or serve in the gaming machine area

Whether you are a staff member or an employer, you may be fined if you work without a valid competency card, or allow employees to work without one. Find out more about fines.

  • RCG training course
    The RCG training course helps to promote safety in venues where gaming machines are operated.

So You Need an Active Competency cards

A competency card is similar to a driver’s licence or proof of age card, and has a record of training you’ve undertaken to be legally allowed to work in the liquor and gaming industries. The courses recorded on it are:

  1. Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA),
  2. Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG),
  3. Privacy.

A competency card is proof you’ve completed training in one or all of these courses.

Please Explain Woolworths Limited!?

This completely contradicts what the ALH Group themselves claim within their Responsible Service of Gaming –

A key focus is our e-learning module providing staff the skills to approach and interact with customers who may be indicating signs of problems with their gambling, and how our self-exclusion program operates.

We partner with agencies such as Gamblers' Help in each state. We want ALH Group staff to learn from these agencies how best to promote the message of responsible gambling. We have established partnerships with The Salvation Army, gambling research experts and mental health organisations. This recognises that problem gambling is a complex issue and requires a multi-level approach.

And Yet We Found The Complete Opposite

Every staff member knew what intoxication looked like and were strict in their adherence to the guidelines of the RSA charter that requires that person or person to be ejected from the premises.

If a gambler spends too much and cannot control their addiction they are not only encouraged back into the ALH owned venue through rewards and membership incentives, they are also forced to eject themselves from the premises' – and even that is something that has to be done through a process that takes a day or two to come into effect and worse still, is only valid for 24 hours anyway?!

Woolworths Give The Ultimate FUCK YOU With their Gaming Charter

  • Hotel and Gaming Charter. Rigorous internal and external audits.

Introduced in 2010 and updated in 2012 the Hotel and Gaming Charter outlines the companies mission statement and goals in relation to the responsible service of alcohol and gaming. The 11 statements' or promises (hollow words to allow the government to tick the responsible gambling box basically)

We will list and then proceed to tear these 11 promises apart and put the Pauline on Woolies – Please Explain indeed.

  • Gaming rooms are being screened or separated from other areas of the hotel at all ALH venues.

No, no they are not – see report

  • Partnerships with expert groups, including Gambler's Help in each state, and the Salvation Army.

David Schwarz – Responsible Gambling Ambassador For the last five years, the ALH Group has worked with David Schwarz, a well-known former professional AFL footballer and reformed problem gambler, as its Responsible Gambling Ambassador. David provides employee education and customer awareness about the importance of asking for help if your gambling becomes a problem. David is available for our staff to discuss any gambling problems they or their families and friends may be experiencing.

This hotel offers a self-exclusion program – 1800858858

Woolworths really are the Pokie People!

woolworths-australias-pokie-people

The 11 Promises – and We’ll Tear These Ones a New One Shortly Too

 

  • 1 We provide a safe, friendly environment in which all hotel customers can socialise and enjoy themselves in a good atmosphere.
  • 2 We provide good value, good quality meals and family friendly dining experiences.
  • 3 We believe we have a shared responsibility, along with individuals, families, communities and governments, to ensure responsible behaviour.
  • 4 We do not conduct promotions which encourage irresponsible drinking.
  • 5 We restrict gaming room access to adults and ensure gaming rooms are screened or separated from other areas of the hotel, so as to not to attract children.
  • 6 We were the first national hotel operator to support voluntary pre-commitment – a system that helps players stick to their limit by nominating maximum spending or time limits on gaming machines. This system will be implemented at all ALH Hotels by 2014.
  • 7 We train our staff to be aware of behaviour that may indicate gambling problems and to provide appropriate patron support. We require all ALH hotel managers to complete additional advanced responsible gaming training.
  • 8 We partner with expert groups and specialists who can help staff and patrons deal with problem gambling, including Gambler's Help (Australia's leading professional counselling service) and the Salvation Army.
  • 9 We ensure that ATM machines, where approved, are provided for the convenience of all patrons in a safe, central location and not in gaming areas.
  • 10 We support local communities in numerous ways, including working with charities to raise money through our hotels.
  • 11 We conduct internal and external audits to ensure we deliver on our commitment to be Australia's most responsible operator of hotels.

 

 

 

3 Things You Didn't Know about Packer's New Barangaroo Crown Casino

As you might've read in the papers, James Packer's newest construction project – to add a lavish $2 billion Crown casino resort to the Sydney skyline – has just received the final go-ahead from the NSW Planning Commission. The Barangaroo Crown Casino, tipped to become the most luxurious casino resort in the Sydney harbour area upon completion, garnered a slew of media attention before the project was even formally commenced. In case you haven't been keeping up with the coverage, here are three things you probably didn't know about Packer's latest casino!

  1. The Barangaroo Crown Casino Resort will be the first six-star hotel in Sydney.

crown casino sydney barangaroo - James Packers casino

If James Packer has his way, the Barangaroo Crown Resort will literally be off-the-charts. He's promising a six-star hotel, but the official international rating system, as well as Australia's formal accommodation rating system (the Triple A system), only goes up to five stars. How is Crown Resorts going to top luxury hotel stalwarts like the Park Hyatt or The Darling and convince customers that five stars just isn't enough? Well, for starters, the building design is absolutely phenomenal Рthe fa̤ade will resemble three petals winding and twisting together, veiled in white glass. Moreover, the Barangaroo Crown Casino will be the tallest building in Sydney, with an estimated height of over 270 metres. If this modernist vision is realised, Sydney's first six-star hotel may well be in the pipeline.

  1. The building design aims to balance the private and public good.

crown casino sydney barangaroo - James Packers casino

Crown Resorts' initial announcement was met with an outcry from small sections of the community concerned that such a dramatic alteration to the Sydney skyline might have environmental or aesthetic drawbacks. Responding to these criticisms, particularly from commentators who had hoped the building site would be used for the construction of a public park, Crown Resorts modified the building design to add additional green spaces and allow public access to the upper floors, which will deliver panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The planning permission has been made conditional on the fulfilment of these promises.

  1. The Barangaroo Crown Casino Resort is designed by Wilkinson Eyre.

Haven't heard of Wilkinson Eyre Architects? Well, you'll definitely recognise some of their buildings. Some of the most iconic architecture of the 21st century was designed by WEA, including the London 2012 Basketball Arena and the Gardens by the Bay botanic conservatories in Singapore. Their cutting-edge design for the Barangaroo Crown, described by founder Chris Wilkinson as an inhabited artwork, suggests that the newest Crown Resort project may well become the most prestigious building in WEA's impressive portfolio.

crown casino sydney barangaroo - James Packers casino

Further reading and resouces

http://crownsydney.com.au/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_Sydney

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/reject-james-packers-casino-tower-city-of-sydney-20160428-gogtq1.html (of course it was still approved because this is James Packer and money gets you whatever you want)

https://newmatilda.com/2016/05/31/casino-mikes-sydney-beautiful-one-day-barangaroo-ed-the-next/ (insight into private vs public land and the history of how ownership has been transferred etc etc)

crown casino sydney barangaroo - James Packers casino

 

Woolworths Push For Yet More Pokies!

Woolworths and their Licensed Hotel interests are systematically sucking the life out of Australia one community at a time through their 13,500+ pokie machines scattered across 328 Hotels and Licensed Venues. Now however it seems they’ve stepped up their campaigns and are attacking communities from multiple (hotel) fronts.

Woolworths and their Licensed Hotel interests are systematically sucking the life out of Australia one community at a time through their 13,500+ pokie machines scattered across 328 Hotels and Licensed Venues. Now however it seems they’ve stepped up their campaigns and are attacking communities from multiple (hotel) fronts.

When $50 Million Is Not Enough

Woolworths and the ALH Group already take $50 million from the residents of Whittlesea each and every year… but in the typical greedy manner in which corporations act, they are now pushing for another 40 pokies at yet another South Morang Pub.

woolworths australias pokie people

A few days ago our friends over at RSLPokies.com revealed how the Woolworths group are planning on targeting children in their pubs and shared some frightening revelations about the groups plans moving forward (Let’s just say that are NOT in the best interest of the country or individuals!) Well it seems our good friends overs at Woolworths the Fuck You Australia People are at it again, this time however they’ve decided to go and pick on an old friend again…

Woolworths Vs. Whittlesea

Woolworths want more pokies in whittlesea - which already suffers
Krishna Batmesswaran, Nessie Sayar and Olivia Naidoo support the Whittlesea Interagency Taskforce on Gambling's campaign to stop plans for 40 pokie machines to be installed at the Commercial Hotel.

Woolworths & The Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALHG) –
“Let’s Install another 40 Pokies into South Morang and then Whittle’ See how bad we fuck the community”

The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) –
“Haha sure thing, we LOVE approving requests for more pokies, in fact we approve over 94% of applications!”

Common Sense, Reasoning and The Good People of Whittlesea –
Woolworths venues already take over $50 million in pokies losses from Whittlesea, they don't need more. This is money which will leave our neighbourhood and won't come back.

Woolworths Monopoly?

woolworths have a monopoly on pokies in australia

The ALHG owns 305 machines across 3 licensed hotels in the Whittlesea area, including Mill Park's Plough Hotel, the Bundoora Hotel, and the Excelsior Hotel in Thomastown.

These same 3 Hotels accounted for almost half of the $111 million lost by gamblers at the city of Whittlesea's 10 pokies venues in the 2015/16 financial year.

$275,000 Lost Every Day in Whittlesea!

whittlesea residents spend nearly $300,000 a day on the pokies

Whittlesea Mayor Stevan Kozmevski said the municipality already had 691 machines which claimed $275,000 each day.

Poker machines have a terrible impact on our community and there are very clear links between poker machine losses and social problems including increased crime and family breakdown, Cr Kozmevski said.

These losses are not surprising as the poker machines are programmed to con €” every push of a poker machine (button) is fixed so that users lose money.

Commercial Hotel manager Natalee Melaney or ALHG representatives could not be reached for comment.

The Same (sad) Old Story

This is not the first time Whittlesea residents have had to stand up against the Hotels and the VCGLR, as these two articles clearly show: