The Allan Labor Government is delivering stronger protections to minimise gambling harm – with all pubs and clubs required to close their gaming machine areas between 4am and 10am from today.
Those who gamble in the early hours of the morning 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 about their gambling behaviours.
The Government has worked closely with venues and stakeholders, ensuring they had ample time to prepare for the changes and manage their rosters to reflect the mandatory closures.
These reforms will also prevent venues in close proximity from staggering their opening hours which encourages people to venue hop and gamble without a break.
These changes build on significant work across Government to deliver the strongest gambling harm protections in Australia – with a record $165.6 million allocated in this year’s Budget for Gambler’s Help services, community education campaigns and research.
The Government continues to engage with key stakeholders to reduce gambling related harm in our communities while preventing unnecessary burden on pubs and clubs.
Today’s change also follows the world leading reforms with all 33 recommendations from the Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and License 2021 now fully implemented or legislated and awaiting commencement.
As stated by Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne
“A break in play provides people with greater protection from gambling harm and an opportunity to make informed decisions about their gambling behaviour.”
“Victoria’s enforcement of gaming room closure times will protect those most vulnerable to gambling-related harm, at times when they are most at-risk.”
