Cautious support for gambling regulation: poll

The public sees pokies as part of the problem, and government regulation as part of the solution, according to the latest ANUpoll, released today. The poll, Public Opinion on Gambling, took a snapshot of Australian attitudes towards gambling and potential government regulation. It found there was considerable support for at least some forms of government regulation ' including pre-commitment betting limits ' even among people who gamble frequently. However, the poll also found that the public is concerned that gambling regulation should not go too far. Two thirds of respondents believed people should have the right to gamble whenever they want, while 42 per cent believe the government has no right to restrict a person's gambling. Only 24 per cent were supportive of a total ban on gambling. The poll also found that people most often associate gambling problems with playing poker machines, followed by gambling on horse and greyhound races and casino table games.