Supermarket chain is told to cash in their chips: Woolworths slammed for targeting children with promotions and launching a gambling rewards card

NELSON GROOM
18 September 2015
DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA
Supermarket giant Woolworths has come under fire for targeting children with promotions and introducing a controversial gambling rewards card.
In a 7:30 investigation, it was revealed the supermarket is offering ‘kids eat free nights’ at pokie machine hotels it runs across the country.
Anti-pokie machine campaigners have also voiced their concern over the new Monty’s Rewards card, which encourages gambling by offering rewards like food and drinks.
Supermarket giant Woolworths is offering ‘kids eat free nights’ at hundreds of gambling hotels it runs across the country
The kids eat free promotion has been criticised for acquainting children with the world of gambling
The card monitors spending habits and even allows players to order drinks, meaning they can remain at the machine and continue gambling.
Critics have argued the card eliminates a notion of time for gamblers, encouraging gamblers to be completely immersed in the machine.
Woolworths said in a statement the card reduces ‘stigma’ for gamblers, but campaigners and politicians alike have condemned the initiative.
Independent Senator Nick Xenophen said the card will proliferate gambling addictions across Victoria.
The supermarket has also come under fire for introducing a controversial gambling rewards card which allows gamblers to order drinks while remaining at their machines
Critics have argued the card eliminates a notion of time for gamblers, encouraging gamblers to be completely immersed in the machine
‘This is effectively a Trojan horse for more addiction and the Victorian Government is busy dragging the horse through the gates,’ he said.
The kids eat free initiative has been criticised for acquainting children with the world of gambling.
Anti-pokie camnpaiger Paul Bendat said: ‘This is an immersive experience for young children that normalises gambling and there’s nothing more powerful than seeing your parents gamble.’
There are 328 Woolworths-owned pubs across Australia, the vast majority of which contain pokie machines.
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