People experiencing harm from gambling will be better protected with mandatory closure periods of gaming machine areas in pubs and clubs soon to come into effect.
As part of the first tranche of our landmark gambling reforms, pubs and clubs across Victoria will have to close their gaming machine areas between 4 am and 10 am from 30 August.
The Allan Labor Government is working closely with affected venues and stakeholders, giving them as much notice as possible so they can prepare rosters and make other necessary changes ahead of these closures starting.
While relatively few people gamble at pubs and clubs at 4 am, the people who do are at a much higher risk of experiencing gambling harm. These reforms provide an important break in play, so patrons can ‘get out of the zone’ and be more aware and informed about their behaviours.
These mandatory closure periods are also aimed at curbing the practice of some venues staggering opening hours to encourage gaming with no breaks.
The Labor Government is continuing work to reduce the effect of gambling-related harm, with a record $165.6 million in this year’s Budget for the delivery of Gambler’s Help services, community education campaigns and research.
Further work to progress Australia’s strongest gambling harm protections in Victoria is underway.
The Government continues to engage with several stakeholders to ensure these key gambling reforms reduce gambling related harm in our communities in a way which provides important consumer protections while preventing unnecessary burden on pubs and clubs.
As stated by Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne
“Providing people with a break in play is an important gambling harm prevention measure – it gives people a chance to step out of the zone and consider how much time and money they’re willing to lose.”
“Victoria’s enforcement of gaming room closure times will protect those most vulnerable to gambling-related harm.”