Surgeons back the introduction of cashless gambling cards, and the poker machine reforms foreshadowed today in NSW by the state government. This is a watershed moment for long overdue action to reduce the public health hazard of gambling harm.
Surgeons treat the downstream harm from gambling in the form of injury associated with interpersonal violence stemming from gambling losses. RACS stands with other medical organisations, including NSW AMA and the Public Health Association of Australia, endorsing a key recommendation from the recent New South Wales Crime Commission Inquiry into Poker Machines, the introduction of cashless gambling cards.
RACS commends the Alliance for Gambling Reform position paper. A mandatory cashless card will reduce money laundering, family violence, and other gambling harm.
