Mandatory Gaming Room Closures Introduced Said to Minimise Gambling Harm
The government is implementing what it describes as stronger measures to minimise gambling harm, with all pubs and clubs now required to close their gaming machine areas between 4 am and 10 am, effective immediately.
Officials claim that early morning gamblers are at a heightened risk of experiencing gambling harm, and these reforms are designed to provide a crucial break in play. This pause, according to the government, allows patrons to ‘get out of the zone’ and become more mindful of their gambling behaviours.
The government states that it has worked closely with venues and stakeholders to ensure they had ample time to prepare for these mandatory closures and adjust their rosters accordingly. However, some venues that previously opened at 6 am will now lose four hours of operation, and depending on staffing options, some workers may see their hours reduced as a result.
These reforms are also intended to prevent nearby venues from staggering their opening hours—a practice that, according to the government, encouraged continuous gambling without a break.
These changes are part of a broader effort that the government claims is aimed at delivering the strongest gambling harm protections in Australia. This year’s Budget, as reported by the government, includes a record $165.6 million for Gambler’s Help services, community education campaigns, and research.
The government’s review anticipates, according to its own analysis, further reductions in gambling-related harm as Victoria rolls out these major reforms. These include the mandatory use of cards for gambling, the introduction of loss limits, and further restrictions on venue operating hours. As a result of these measures, the government projects a $205 million decline in tax revenue over the next four years, from $1.359 billion to $1.154 billion.
The government states that it remains committed to working with key stakeholders to reduce gambling-related harm in communities while preventing undue burden on pubs and clubs. Today’s change also builds on the implementation of all 33 recommendations from the Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and License 2021, which, according to the government, have now been fully implemented or are legislated and awaiting commencement.
