News and media
Kids high ‘consumers’ of TV’s 374 daily gambling ads
New research released today to coincide with Shifting the goal posts on sports betting, a Gambling Harm Awareness Week (7–13 October) panel event, has found gambling ads are played four times more often during sports programming than during non-sport TV.
Everyday heroes overcome the stigma of gambling harm
The stigma associated with gambling harm is so strong that many people would rather acknowledge a drug or alcohol addiction than disclose a gambling problem. During Gambling Harm Awareness Week (7–13 October 2019), Victorians are being asked to consider the negative consequences of their own or someone else’s gambling, to listen to the stories of others who have been affected, and to support the people in their lives who may be struggling.
Support For Mental Health And Gambling Harm Program
Alfred Health’s Mental Health and Gambling Program will receive a $1.2 million funding boost over three years from the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. This will strengthen the model of care for clients and provide them with better health outcomes.
Public libraries open doors as gambling alternative
Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz has announced the expansion of the Libraries After Dark program, which gives vulnerable Victorians access to six additional libraries for evening activities. Dandenong, Springvale, Sebastopol and Moe were the successful funding recipients for the next stage of the Libraries After Dark project. Werribee Plaza and Bairnsdale will both receive funding from 2020.
Application for new venue with 52 pokies by Ellinbank Football & Netball Club withdrawn
Ellinbank Football & Netball Club Inc has withdrawn the application it made to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation for approval of a new gaming venue with 52 pokies at Club Newmason in Warragul.
Commission approves application for additional 10 pokies at Monbulk Bowling Club
On 19 August 2019, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation approved an application from Monbulk Bowling Club Inc to increase the number of pokies at Monbulk Bowling Club from 30 to 40.
Commission refuses application for additional 25 pokies at Players Hotel
On 1 August 2019, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation refused an application from Castello's Players Hotel Pty Ltd to increase the number of pokies at Players Hotel in Dandenong from 25 to 50.
Victorians lose $2.699 billion on pokies in 2018-19
Victorians lost $2.699 billion on the pokies in 2018-19.
Justice Project approaches the Bench
A health justice partnership between Gambler’s Help Southern and a local community legal service is educating the legal fraternity about gambling harm as a public health issue and pushing for its consideration as a mitigating factor when sentencing.
Sports heroes of tomorrow learn about life and leadership
A group of AFL Barwon sporting leaders have embraced the opportunity to meet and learn from Victoria’s most experienced professional athletes. The young footballers and netballers...
Foundation-funded researcher awarded ABC residency
A gambling researcher funded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation since 2013 has been awarded one of the ABC’s highly-prized Top Five residencies for 2019
Minister Announces Gambler’s Help Funding Across Victoria
Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz today visited Ballarat to announce $49 million funding for the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation to administer the Local Gambler’s Help Program over three years, with a focus on regional and rural areas.
Foundation cited in the British Medical Journal
Research funded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation has been cited in the prestigious British Medical Journal (BMJ), read across the world by medical and allied health professionals.
VCAT refuses application for additional pokies at Glenroy RSL
On 18 April 2019, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) upheld a decision by Moreland City Council to refuse to amend a planning permit condition to allow an additional 10 pokies to be installed at the Glenroy RSL premises.
Online gambling restrictions to reduce consumer harm
In an Australian-first, the State Government is tightening rules for online betting operators in a bid to provide stronger consumer protections for Victorians gambling online. From 26 May 2019, online betting operators must comply with strict requirements for betting account deposit limits, restrictions on direct marketing and a ban on perks that encourage consumers to continue betting.
Mat's passion for sport now gambling free
Mat Crompton has always had a passion for sport. He grew up playing soccer, not only for the execution of skill but the experience of being ‘lost in the moment’.
Mindful gambling improves wellbeing: Think … is that true for you?
Regardless of how often a person gambles or the amount of money they spend, gambling-related stress is a side effect commonly experienced by a large number of Victorians.
Commission approves application for additional 20 pokies at Hogan's Hotel
On 9 May 2019, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation approved an application from Hogan's Hotel Pty Ltd to increase the number of pokies at Hogan's Hotel in Wallan from 45 to 65.
Youth voice heard in new regional gambling harm prevention initiative
Young people are encouraged to spend more time with their family and friends, delete smartphone betting apps and avoid gambling clickbait as part of Bethany Community Support’s new project, ‘A Young Person’s Message’, launched in April as part of Youth Week.
Commission refuses application for additional pokies at Polish Community Association in Geelong
On 12 April 2019, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation refused an application from Polish Community Association in Geelong Inc to increase the number of pokies at White Eagle House from 35 to 78.