By Matthew Sims
Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas has welcomed the State Government’s reforms to reduce gambling related harm.
On Sunday 16 July, Premier Daniel Andrews announced mandatory pre-commitment limits and cards for all gaming machines.
Gamblers’ ‘load-up’ limits will also drop from $1000 to $100, EGM spin rates will slow to three seconds a game, and all pokie venues except Crown Casino will close between 4am and 10am.
All measures would be introduced subject to thorough consultation with industry through an implementation working group.
The new reforms arrived at the same time that Mr Maas released the Electronic Gaming Machine Usage in Narre Warren South Parliamentary Internship Report.
Melbourne University student Jack Keating authored the report during his internship with the MP.
The report focused on Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM), or ‘pokies’, in a suburban and socio-economically disadvantaged context, the severity of issues associated with them and detailed the strong public desire for reform and review of EGM usage.
The report found that the Narre Warren South electorate had an above-average density of EGMs in comparison to the rest of Victoria, as well has one of the highest annual player expenditures on EGMs, with many households experiencing at least $1000 of gaming-losses annually.
The report also detailed that the high accessibility of EGMs in areas neighbouring Narre Warren South contributed to EGM usage.
Mr Maas said the reforms were the first step in reducing gambling harm across the state.
“The State Government is continuously working on harm minimisation strategies, but I know there is more to do,” he said.
“We need to keep working on supporting individuals and communities that need help dealing with the harmful effects of EGMs and gambling.”
The report’s recommendations included a trial expansion of YourPlay as a universal pre-commitment scheme, initiatives such as Libraries After Dark to incentivise diverse recreational activity, and further consultation with community leaders and councils on the effects of EGM usage.
Mr Keating said he knew the report would be of great value to Mr Maas’ office and the broader Narre Warren South community.
“I am very pleased to present this report which provides a comprehensive investigation of the mitigating factors to address the severity of EGM harm,” he said.
“It was a fantastic experience to intern with Gary Maas MP and to provide this report.”
Mr Andrews said the reforms would help those experiencing gambling harm turn their lives around.
“These reforms will provide the strongest gambling harm preventions and anti-money laundering measures in Australia – we owe it to all Victorians to take this stance,” he said.
“I look forward to the implementation working group’s input and effort.”
Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Melissa Horne said gambling harm was not restricted to financial losses.
“Everyone loses when it comes to gambling harm…people lose their relationships, their jobs and their wellbeing,” she said.
“Our previous reforms have delivered stronger oversight of the gambling industry in Victoria with a regulator unafraid to hold venues to account – now we’re doing more important work to reduce gambling-related harm.”
