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, $12 million was lost to Electronic Gaming Machines in 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.
Speaking about the bill Ms Horne said the mandatory closure period is important to prevent and reduce gambling-related harm.
“We’ve seen predatory behaviour from some venues, allowing people to keep gambling for hours, at any hour,” she said.
“Closing gaming areas between 4am and 10am will give people an important break to reassess and walk away.”
Hume council said it will continue to advocate to the state government for strong reforms that help minimise gambling harm across the municipality.
