Experts warn of increased gambling harm in WA as TAB sale raises prospect of electronic gaming

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Alan Gray is a financial counsellor to some of the most vulnerable people in Western Australia. He is concerned about the introduction of electronic simulated racing games into TABs across the state. Mr Gray travels throughout the Kimberley helping Aboriginal people. He also believes the government should be more restrictive about introducing gambling machines to the Tab outlets. There are Tabbies in the area, but it's a 2,000-kilometre drive from Broome to Burswood.

Experts warn of increased gambling harm in WA as TAB sale raises prospect of electronic gaming.

The sale of the state-owned betting agency was put on hold last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. It has been kickstarted in one of most tumultuous periods for gambling in WA. The TAB is under increasing pressure from online gambling and the monopoly casino and gambling watchdog is facing scrutiny.

Experts warn of increased gambling harm in WA as TAB sale raises prospect of electronic gaming. Leading researcher Matthew Rockloff called EGM's "the most dangerous form of gambling". Dr Rock loff questioned why WA would undo its good work in restricting gambling opportunities by allowing simulated racing games in Tabs.

Tabcorp is one of the frontrunners to buy the WA TAB. The government is planning to sell the Tabcorps. There are questions about the sale process and the future of Tabs. The racing industry will continue to be consulted through the process. A government spokeswoman said there is healthy interest in the expression-of-interest process of sale.

WA Council of Social Service is concerned about the introduction of poker machines at TABs. The new Tab's licence does not include the ability to offer simulated racing games. The previous licence did not need to fund the racing industry. WACOSS is worried that the new licence will not be enough to cover the costs of running the games and it will lead to the de facto introduction to poker machine at the Tabs.