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More than
one in five of those who gamble in Dandenong
indicate personal gambling problems, such as
money arguments centred on gambling and guilt as
a result of their gambling, in the last six
months. In Dandenong, very little gambling
activity is financed by credit.
During our consultations, the following costs
and benefits of gaming were identified.
Benefits
Venues with gaming machines are more profitable
and have been able to finance
expansion and upgrading of facilities. For
clubs, there has also been the potential to
cross-subsidise other activities for club
members, whilst generating trading surpluses
that
can be donated to welfare groups.
Successful venues provide employment, training
and new career paths for young people.
In some areas, the introduction of EGMs has
brought with it significant improvements in
the appearance of an area and has injected life
back into the streets. However, in other
areas, there has been a decline in the retail
environment and street amenity, reflecting a
shift in the location of economic activity.
For many people, gaming has become a form of
entertainment and a means to get away
from the demands of family life and to relax.
For others it is an avenue to escape from
other social problems, such as loneliness. The
resulting change in the overall mix of
social and recreational alternatives available
for people is seen by some to be of benefit.
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