Chaplains in clubs to fight Australian problem gambling

The club and pub industry in Australia is hoping to hit the jackpot by using church chaplains to help problem gamblers.

The chaplains will come from the Salvation Army, who will pay for them.

A trial is about to start in New South Wales, where chaplains will offer counselling to patrons.

If it is successful, it is hoped other states may follow.

But the clubs have been accused of trying to silence their critics.

The industry is fighting a bid to have patrons commit to only spending a certain amount on each visit to a club with gambling facilities.

The "Salvo" chaplains are to be based at one club for 12 months to see the effect of the counselling they can offer.

But independent anti-poker machines senator Nick Xenophon says the industry is trying to silence a previously outspoken critic of the effects of gambling on individuals and families.

Source: ABC News, 5 August 2012