New research published this week from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre has found a clear link between gambling profits in NSW and rates of crime.
Researchers concluded that for every 10 per cent increase in gambling expenditure, crime increases between 7.4 and 11 per cent across this state. The landmark study is the first of its kind to interrogate a rigorous longitudinal analysis of the relationship between gambling expenditure and crime in NSW.
Greens spokesperson for justice, MLC Sue Higginson said, ‘This study exposes the undeniable link between increased gambling profits and increased crime. The Minns Labor Government is fueling crime, taxing police and harming communities through their own addiction to gambling and it’s time to call it.
‘The figures speak for themselves,’ she said. ‘A ten per cent reduction in gambling expenditure would mean 16,100 fewer crimes in NSW each year. That’s thousands of people each year who would be safer in their homes and in our communities and thousands more people who would be less likely to come into contact with the criminal justice system.
‘It also means hours of policing time and stress and millions of dollars in police resourcing which could be better spent if NSW Labor listened to the experts, addressed the data in this study and reigned in gambling.’
NSW losing
‘Victims of gambling are not just those who fall prey to its addictive and life-wrecking cycles,’ said Ms Higginson.
‘This study shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are all losing while NSW Labor allows gambling to win. Our communities have a right not to become victims of gambling and the crime that follows and it’s galling that the state is profiting from this.
‘Instead of policing crimes driven by gambling, police in this state could be better equipped and better resourced to deal with the business of keeping communities safer,’ said the Greens MLC.
‘This data presents an opportunity to make genuine policy changes that protect and safeguard our communities. By not addressing gambling in NSW but insisting on rolling out a trademark law-and-order/tough on crime agenda NSW Labor is fueling crime cycles.
‘If the Minns government was serious about improving community safety, bolstering police resourcing and minimising harm, it must take this study seriously,’ said Ms Higginson.
The research report is available here.
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