The Allan Labor Government is continuing to help reduce the effects of gambling harm with grants now open to organisations to support research.
Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Enver Erdogan today announced the $250,000 program was open to research projects that help increase understanding of new gambling markets, effects on the community and harm minimization.
This includes how relapsed addicts could be better supported and how marketing continues to affect gambling behaviour.
Recent data shows that at least one in 10 Victorians who gamble may be experiencing gambling related harm - this equates to about 360,000 people, plus more than 200,000 family members and friends affected as a result.
Gambling harm can include relationship difficulties, health problems, emotional or psychological distress, financial problems, issues with work or study and criminal activity.
These grants build on the Labor Government's landmark gambling reforms to put further protections in place for those experiencing gambling harm.
The first tranche of this work came into effect in August last year, with pubs and clubs across Victoria now having to close their gaming machine areas between 4 am and 10 am - forcing patrons to have a break in play.
The second part is the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024 introduced to Parliament to give patrons more control over how much they spend.
This Bill creates a framework for the introduction of account-based play on gaming machines in Victoria, which will require patrons to have an account operate a gaming machine - putting the power back in the hands of patrons.
Accounts will give people access to information about their gambling and allow them to set limits on how much they are willing to lose - known as pre-commitment.
A pilot of account-based play will start later this year across selected venues and a phased approach to implementation will be taken to assist with changing patron behaviour and to reduce gambling related harm.
The Government continues to engage with several stakeholders to ensure these key gambling reforms reduce gambling related harm while preventing unnecessary burden on pubs and clubs.
Applications for the grants will close on March 27. For more information or to apply for the grants, visit www.tenders.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Enver Erdogan
"We know the harm that gambling has on people and their loved ones. That's why we're investing in research that will improve our ongoing response to gambling harm."
"As gambling trends evolve, we want to make sure our research stays ahead of the game so we can adapt our support services and work with industry to achieve better outcomes for the community."
