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New South Wales’ (NSW) Government has announced $100 million in funding to reduce gambling harm throughout the state.
The funding for gambling harm reduction comes as part the first Minns Labor Government budget and is the next in the long-term commitment of the government to tackle money laundering and implement gaming reform and reduce the harmful effects of gambling throughout communities.
The NSW Government has decided to redirect the $100,000,000 fine that was imposed by the NSW Independent Casino Commission on Star Casino over a period of 5 years, in order to fund harm reduction initiatives.
The funding will be used to enhance services and initiatives that reduce harm caused by gambling in the community, including:
- The Office of Responsible Gambling will invest $10 million in the Responsible Gambling fund between 2023-24 to provide GambleAware counselling, support, education and awareness campaigns, as well as initiatives such Reclaim the Game. It will also support world-leading research on gambling.
- £6.4m to improve self-exclusion in pubs and clubs and introduce third party exclusions.
- The independent expert panel established in July of this year will receive $3.4 million to conduct and evaluate a 12-month trial for cashless gaming in pubs and nightclubs. Venues have been asked to express their interest in participating.
- The Independent Panel has recommended that $21.7 million per year for three years, starting with the financial year 24-25 to be spent on other gambling harm reduction initiatives and reforms.
“This government is focused on evidence-based reform and has a clear vision.” David Harris, Minister of Gaming and Racing said that we know when gambling becomes an issue, it can be harmful to a person and those around them. It can negatively impact relationships, work, finances, and physical and mental well-being.
Since its election in March, Minns Labor Government banned political contributions from gaming clubs, set up an independent panel that will oversee a trial of cashless gambling, and recommended a roadmap to gaming reform in NSW. Since July 1, it has reduced the cash limit for new poker machines from $5000 down to $500. It also lowered the number of gaming machine entitlements in NSW by over 3000.
