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March 27, 2007
Polly on Gambling
When Tessa Jowell says that "all British casinos must enforce high
standards of social responsibility", the aerobatic improbability of
"socially responsible gambling" has Labour MPs writhing in their seats
miserably: 80 have signed an early day motion and tomorrow is their day
to say a final no.
"Socially responsible Gambling"? What's so tough about that? A yearly flutter on the Grand National and the occasional lottery ticket. Tens of millions gamble that way and really, how can anyone say that that is irresponsible?
No, Australia stands as a warning. Their great expansion of gambling,
mainly through "pokies" - high-prize slots - now means more than 10% of
government revenues come from gambling.
Err, no. This is the woman famed for her research, remember? It is actually more than 10% of the State and Territory revenues which comes from gambling. Australia is a Federal State, and most of the revenue is raised federally, not by the States. So it sure as hell ain't 10% to the total.
UK gambling turnover is soaring, up from £2bn to £50bn in just four years from 2001-2005, much of it online.
Well, at least she's finally corrected that. Turnover has indeed risen, this isn't, as she finally seems to realise, the same as the losses.
March 27, 2007 in Idiotarians | Permalink
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Comments
"now means more than 10% of government revenues come from gambling" ... it is just so obviously wrong without bothering to research it. One cannot but wonder that it displays a contempt for numeracy rather than an incompetence at numeracy.
Posted by: johnnybonk | Mar 27, 2007 1:21:55 PM
In fact total revenue from gambling taxes has fallen as a % of all revene, from 2.2% in 1999 to 1.5% in 2004. However I think that might be due to the introduced of GST.
http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/[email protected]/0/ACE2B395A8657B91CA256A6800820742?Open
I think she's right, however, that there are lessons to be learn from Australia on gambling.
Posted by: Matthew | Mar 27, 2007 6:56:13 PM
Wouldn't it, though, be an excellent state of affairs if 10% (or more) of government revenue were raised by taxes on gambling rather ones on less optional activities such as earning a living or buying clothes?
Posted by: Not Saussure | Mar 27, 2007 11:50:46 PM
