A ban on smoking in gambling venues is a sensible step in reducing the harm caused by tobacco.
The Executive Director of Quit Victoria, Mr Todd Harper, said there was strong evidence that smokefree environments reduce the harm caused by passive smoking, and reduce tobacco consumption.
'There is also clear evidence smokefree public places increase the chances of smoker making a successful quit attempt,' Mr Harper said.
'We must also remember that a smoky workplace is an unsafe workplace - employees shouldn't have to breathe tobacco smoke to hold down a job,' he said.
Mr Harper said Quit Victoria was a long time supporter of a ban in all enclosed workplaces and it was inevitable that gambling venues would inevitably become smokefree.
'That will not mean that gamblers can't smoke or can't gamble, but it will create sensible restrictions that reduce the harm caused by tobacco.'
'Smokefree environments are a fact of life - offices, public transport, planes, and restaurants (from July 1) are smokefree, yet they have not stopped people from using these services ort visiting these venues,' he said.
He highlighted research undertaken for the Victorian Casino and Gaming Authority last year which found that households which played poker machines, spent twice as much on tobacco products, more on alcohol and more on other gambling, than households which did not play poker machines.
'Given the link between gambling and smoking, we have an opportunity to protect and promote the health of those most in need by this sensible step,' Mr Harper said.
ends
Further information:
Zoe Furman
Media Communications Manager
Quit Victoria