A great deal bigger than the World Cup to the Aussies, is the issue of problem gambling in the country. Victoria has problems much like many of the other states. The incoming Labor administration has promised to tackle the problem, pledging $160million, but it’s hard to see how getting tough on it will help them.
An article in The Age seems to suggest that James Packer’s Crown casino group is not likely to get the most welcome of receptions from the new governor. The figures contributed to the economy speak for themselves though.
Victorians lost $5.1 billion on gambling and wagering last financial year, and the Victorian government’s take via taxes and levies was $1.6 billion – almost 12% of its total tax intake, including $149.5 million from the Crown Casino.
It’s hard to see how they can justify being harsh enough to block a further casino being built in the state. As far as economies go, Australia is nowhere near the dire straits of Europe and is therefore not as desperate for money. Losing the cooperation with Crown could be rather costly though.