Natasha Fyles
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
Gambling Prevalence Survey Released
13 May 2017
The 2015 Northern Territory Gambling Prevalence Survey Report has today been released.
The Attorney-General Natasha Fyles said the report is the first and largest in a series of documents from Menzies
Researcher Dr Matthew Stevens,to look at gambling in the Territory.
“The CLP failed to deliver a gambling prevalence survey – now we know why," Ms Fyles said.
"Consistent with the findings from the 2005 Gambling Prevalence Survey, the 2015 Gambling Prevalence Survey makes
clear that Territorians never wanted more poker machines allowed in the Territory,” Ms Fyles said.
“The 2015 Gambling Prevalence Survey found that just 5% of adults surveyed thought we needed more gaming machines
in clubs, and just 2%thought we needed more gaming machines in hotels.
“Instead of reflecting community concerns, on 1 January 2015 the chaotic former CLP government lifted the Territory’s cap
on gaming machines. An additional 534 gaming machines were added to our community venues – equating to a roughly
45% increase.
“The CLP allowed a free-for-all expansion of gaming machines in our community venues without consultation or evidence
of the impact on the community.”
Ms Fyles said the Territory Labor Government listened to concerns around the significant increases in Electronic Gaming
Machines (EGM) that occurred under the former CLP government.
“We listened and in November last year we took action, delivering on a key election promise by capping community EGM’s.
“This Report makes clear that our Government’s policy of bringing back a cap on EGM’s is responsible, evidence-based and
meets community expectations.
“Every Territorian has a right to live in safe and vibrant communities. To achieve this we need to monitor the harms
associated with high-risk gambling and addiction.
“Gambling has a considerable impact on Territory communities and families and the Territory Government will continue to
take an evidence based approach, working with key stakeholders.
“The findings will be reviewed to consider any future policy developments needed in this area.”
For the full report go to: https://justice.nt.gov.au/licensing-nt-and-nt-worksafe/licensing-publications-and-strategies/gambling-
research/Northern-Territory-2015-gambling-prevalence-and-wellbeing-survey
Communications Adviser: Laetitia Lemke