Gaming Minister Tony Robinson today invited Victorians to have their say on the rollout of pre-commitment technology on gaming machines across the state.
Mr Robinson called for comment on a public consultation paper outlining the Government’s pre-commitment policy and regulations that will shape Victoria’s gaming industry for the future.
“This Government taking action to reform the gaming industry, to reduce risks to individuals and the broader community and to empower people to take control of their own gambling,” he said.
“We understand that many Victorians are concerned about gaming machines in the community and want them to have their say on the role of pre-commitment in helping players stay in control of their gambling.
“Pre-commitment technology allows players to pre-set time and loss limits before they gamble, and introduces important breaks in play so players can stop, take a breather and think about whether they really want to continue gambling.”
Mr Robinson said the consultation paper addressed the first phase of the pre-commitment rollout, which will be introduced on all next-generation machines by the end of the year.
“In the first phase, pre-commitment mechanisms will be mandatory for all next generation machines,” he said.
“From 2013, pre-commitment technology will be rolled out across all gaming machines in all Victorian gaming venues, making Victoria one of the only places in this world to empower players to pre-set time and loss limits and to prevent them from exceeding these limits.”
Mr Robinson said this year’s Productivity Commission Report on Gambling in Australia identified pre-commitment as a key measure in addressing problem gambling.
“We are pleased Victoria’s lead on tackling problem gambling has been recognised and look forward to working with other states and territories on a nationally consistent pre-commitment framework and further harm minimisation measures through the new COAG Select Council on Gambling Reform,” he said.
The Pre-commitment 2010 - Pre-commitment Consultation Paper can be downloaded from the Department of Justice website at www.justice.vic.gov.au
Submissions can be made until 5pm 20 September 2010.