The Victorian Government is introducing a Responsible Gambling Foundation.By Nicole Williams
AS ONE of the biggest gambling areas in Victoria, Greater Dandenong is expected to benefit from the introduction of a Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.
The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Bill 2011 was passed in State Government last week and South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich said it would tackle problem gambling and foster responsible gambling.
“The creation of the foundation and record funding support is about reducing the harm caused to Greater Dandenong residents about problem gambling,” she said.
“This legislation sends a clear message that the prevention and treatment of problem gambling in Greater Dandenong is a top priority.”
Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation figures show that adults in Greater Dandenong lose almost twice as much on electronic gaming machines than the Victorian average.
Between June 2010 and July 2011, pokie players in Greater Dandenong lost an average of $1110 on EGM, compared to $613 for the average Victorian adult.
The municipality is also one of the biggest gambling areas in Victoria (behind Brimbank, Casey and Monash), with pokie players losing more than $117 million on machines between June 2010 and July 2011. Minister for Gaming Michael O’Brien said the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation will help foster responsible gambling in Victoria and reduce the prevalence of problem gambling.
“For the first time Victoria will have an independent body with the specific task of reducing the prevalence and severity of problem gambling,” he said.
Greater Dandenong resident Matthew Kirwan said the foundation will not help deal with problem gambling.
“Only reducing the amount of pokies and the amount that can be lost, via a low bid or recommitment scheme, will make a significant difference,” he said.
“Plenty of research has been done and now is the time for action.”
The foundation is expected to be established and fully operational by mid-2012.
