HSA Oct-Nov 2019 Web

Beware Opinion
Masqueraded
as Fact
There has been considerable public
debate - some would call it hysteria -
since the State Government announced
its gaming reforms late last month.
From the President
DAVID BASHEER – AHA|SA PRESIDENT
The reforms into all aspects of gambling
come as a response to the Government’s
review into gambling earlier this year.
The AHA|SA, along with a wide range
of other stakeholders, participated in
the public consultation component of
that review.
Since the Government tabled its
legislation, the AHA|SA has ensured the
key decision makers understand the
reality of the state of play, rather than
much of the public debate which has seen
assumptions and opinions masqueraded
as facts. In no way do we see these
gaming reforms as an industry ‘free kick’.
Far from it!
Firstly, the reforms come with significant
harm minimisation measures, making SA
a true leader in this regard.
Secondly, however, we lag well behind in
the evolution of this legitimate form of
entertainment. The proposed changes
would afford SA hotels, clubs and the
Casino a degree of the same opportunities
that have been commonplace in the
Eastern States - and indeed most of the
Western World for over 30 years.
With $1 billion dollars in hotel sales across
NSW and QLD in the past year alone,
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