The first GambleAware Week under the Minns Labor government will focus on the true cost of gambling on the community and the record $100 million investment in harm minimisation to combat it.
The theme for this year’s GambleAware Week, which starts today, is ‘What’s gambling costing you?’ to encourage people to think beyond the monetary costs of gambling.
Gambling costs aren’t just measured in dollars, there are also family impacts including time away from loved ones, impacts on physical and mental health and community impacts.
The first Minns Labor government budget delivered a $100 million funding injection to reduce gambling harm across NSW.
Funding for gambling harm minimisation is the next important step in the government’s long-term commitment to tackling money laundering, implement gaming reform and reduce the harmful impacts of gambling across communities.
The NSW Government will redirect the $100 million fine imposed on Star Casino by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) over 5 years to fund harm minimisation initiatives.
This huge funding injection will allow for the enhancement of services and initiatives to reduce harm in the community from gambling including:
- $6.4 million to enhance self-exclusion and introduce third-party exclusions in pubs and clubs
- $3.4 million for the independent panel, established in July this year, to run and evaluate a cashless gaming trial in pubs and clubs, with expressions of interest recently called for venues to take part.
- $21.7 million each year, for 3 years, from 2024-2025 to fund other gambling harm minimisation initiatives and reforms, including those recommended by the independent panel.
- $10 million additional investment in 2023 for the Responsible Gambling Fund, through the Office of Responsible Gambling, for the provision of GambleAware counselling and support services.
- As more and more people are exposed to gambling, through sports betting, gambling advertising, or even gambling through kids’ games, GambleAware Week aims to increase awareness of the risks of gambling and ensure people know where to find help and support services in NSW communities.
- GambleAware local service providers are located in every health district across the state, and are there to help anyone who thinks themselves, their friends or family members might be participating in risky gambling behaviours.
