News and media
Elite athletes get behind Love the Game Challenge
A multi-code event in Point Cook marked the beginning of 2023's Love the Game month, with emerging Hawthorn star Mitch Lewis; Melbourne Rebels’ players Ray Nu'u, Max Johnson and Michaela Maunsell; Melbourne United’s Shea Ili; North Melbourne AFLW players Jenna Bruton and Jasmine Garner; and juniors from the Point Cook Bulldogs.
Commission approves additional 40 pokies at Grosvenor Hotel
On 19 April 2023, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission approved (with conditions) an application by GRHO Pty Ltd to increase the number of pokies at the Grosvenor Hotel in Balaclava from 22 to 62.
Whole-of-school approach helps young people stay ahead of the game
Education resources developed by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation help young people understand the risks associated with gambling and gaming. The Be Ahead of the Game program reflects the latest research into young people’s participation in, and attitudes towards, gambling, as well as changes in the marketing and technology landscape that are making gambling increasingly visible and accessible to young people.
The risky business of online gambling
The Foundation has released a discussion paper – Gambling harm and the online gambling environment – that identifies critical issues needing attention in order to strengthen efforts to prevent and reduce gambling harm.
A perfect storm: ADF veterans and gambling harm
Recent Foundation-funded research on gambling harm among Australian Defence Force veterans is gaining widespread attention. Dr Olivia Metcalf explains the implications of some of the findings and where she hopes they might lead.
Shining a light on dark marketing
We can’t avoid saturation levels of gambling advertising on free-to-air television. But there’s no public scrutiny of the targeted marketing of harmful products such as gambling going straight to mobile devices.
The ins and outs of cashless gambling
There’s a lot of talk about cashless gambling in the news. What is it, what are its predicted benefits and drawbacks, and where does Victoria sit on its potential implementation?
Victorians lose $1.58 billion on pokies in July - December 2022
On 27 January 2023, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission released figures on pokies expenditure for the first half of the 2022-23 financial year. In total, $1.58 billion was lost in Victoria at the pokies between 1 July and 31 December 2022.
Australian Racing Fact Book 2021–2022 edition published
Racing Australia recently published the latest edition of the Australian Racing Fact Book. A Guide to the Racing Industry in Australia 2021–2022 outlines the key results and statistics from the Australian thoroughbred sector. The fact book includes wagering turnover on thoroughbred racing.
Commission approves additional 15 pokies at McKinnon Hotel
On 13 December 2022, VGCCC approved an application from McKinnon Hotels Pty Ltd to increase the number of pokies at the McKinnon Hotel from 45 to 60.
10 years of addressing gambling harm
The Foundation is celebrating its 10th anniversary, proud of our public health approach and our funded research which provides a solid evidence base in the push for reform and the development of innovative partner programs.
One simple question on the path to recovery
A panel of healthcare professionals consider the value of an in-consultation screening question inviting patients to disclose gambling harm alongside other health issues, and improving pathways to services for those seeking help.
The role of gambling in family violence
A gambling harm module incorporated into a men’s behaviour change program running in the Upper Murray gives participants the opportunity to understand the effects of gambling within the context of family violence.
Unlocking loot boxes: gaming hype, or gambling-like?
With a dramatic increase in the popularity of in-game microtransactions such as loot boxes, researchers are alert to their gambling-like properties which can influence the behaviour of gamers and lead to gambling harm.
First Nations’ approaches lead to prosperous futures
First Nations community leaders Cormach Evans and Dr Luke Martin yarn about healthcare equity and the importance of a connection to Country in social and emotional wellbeing.
Collective action targets gambling harm
Ballarat’s All-In initiative brought together healthcare organisations, businesses, sporting clubs and community groups to commit to actions to raise awareness of gambling harm, reduce stigma, encourage help seeking and promote alternative recreation.