Zoe Moffatt
Mandatory closure periods for gaming machine areas will kick start the state government’s latest gambling reforms, following Hume council holding its first gambling harm symposium.
On October 3, Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Melissa Horne announced a bill to enforce mandatory closure periods for all gaming machine areas in venues, except Crown Casino, between 4am and 10am.
In August alone, a staggering $12 million was lost to Electronic Gaming Machines in venues across Hume, and $13 million in Whittlesea venues.
Whittlesea chair adminstrator Lydia Wilson says that council supports the reform, and as a Member of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Whittlesea Council is dedicated to gambling harm minimisation.
“On average $12 million a month was lost on poker machines during the last financial year in the City of Whittlesea. This is the third highest amount for a municipality in Victoria,“ she said.
“We know that gambling losses impact on people’s finances, mental health and can contribute to relationship problems. Any action to reduce gambling harm will be beneficial to our local community.
“Whittlesea Council welcomes the Victorian Government’s legislative reforms for gambling harm minimisation, including closing gaming rooms between 4am and 10am, and we continue to advocate for alternative late night social options for our community at risk of gambling harm.“
Hume Mayor Joseph Haweil said council has been in regular contact with the state government advocating for immediate state mandated regulation of the gambling industry.
“[This] helped bring about July’s sweeping reforms, but our fight began long before that and we have a long way to go,” Cr Haweil said.
“What concerns me greatly as mayor is knowing that Hume’s diversity and socio-economic status make our residents vulnerable to methods used to lure people into gambling.
“We will continue to push for all proposed reforms to be implemented including mandatory carded play, pre-commitment, a self- exclusion program, and load-up limits.”
At its symposium in Craigieburn on October 2, council hosted experts and advocates to send a strong message to policy makers on Hume’s desire for change.
Speakers included Dr Charles Livingstone discussing gambling harm, journalist Stephanie Convery on sports gambling impacts and humanitarian Tim Costello.
Council said the latest reform demonstrates the significant changes occurring in the gambling space at both a local and state level and highlights just how far there is to go.
