Media releases
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.
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.
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.
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.
New CEO For Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation
The Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Marlene Kairouz today announced the appointment of Shane Lucas as the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Early career researcher grants announced
Five new projects have been awarded a total of almost $250,000 as part of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s early career researcher grants.
Personal stories of recovery: gambling harm podcast
A new podcast exploring the depths of gambling-related harm through the eyes of people who have recovered has been launched at Banyule Community Health.
Reclaim your life with the 100 Day Challenge
What would you do in 2019 with the time and money you could save by taking a break from gambling? The Foundation’s 100 Day Challenge advertising campaign will be on air until mid-February.
Innovative local approaches to gambling harm
Victoria’s inaugural Gambling Harm Awareness Week (8–14 October) was today launched by the former Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Marlene Kairouz, at an event that showcased innovative community approaches to tackling gambling harm.
Tackling gambling harm through community conversations
Gambling Harm Awareness Week, 8–14 October 2018 in the ACT and Victoria, provides an opportunity to talk openly about what gambling harm is, how it affects the community, what can be done to prevent it, and how to support those affected by it.
Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Appointment
Janet Dore has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. Ms Dore will commence her role as interim CEO in mid-October, replacing Louise Glanville who will start a new role as Managing Director of Victoria Legal Aid.
Appointment Of Victoria Legal Aid Managing Director
Senior public sector executive Louise Glanville has been appointed as Managing Director of Victoria Legal Aid, the first woman to head the organisation. Ms Glanville has almost two decades’ experience working in senior leadership roles for the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.
Young men vulnerable to betting inducement ads
Betting operators are using direct marketing channels, like SMS, to advertise inducements to regular sports and racing bettors – predominantly young men – that effectively encourage them to gamble more frequently and with larger amounts of money, thereby increasing their risk of harm.
Gambling-like apps: not suitable for children
Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation-funded CQUniversity research led by Professor Matthew Rockloff suggests there may be a role for legislative intervention to play in preventing harm from electronic gaming machine/pokies-themed apps.
Gambling harm: Taking action for change
A diverse range of experts is meeting in Geelong over the next three days to participate in the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s biennial Gambling Harm Conference, which this year focuses on the theme of Taking action for change.
This weekend, AFL in Victoria to focus on loving the game, not the odds
In an environment in which sports betting advertising is prolific, and sport and betting are increasingly seen as going hand-in-hand, we have an obligation to engage with young people and inform them about the risks and potential harms associated with gambling, according to Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation acting CEO Craig Swift.
Collingwood FC demonstrates commitment to tackling gambling harm
“The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation is encouraged to learn that another of Victoria’s AFL clubs, Collingwood FC, has made the decision to rescind its interests in gaming,” the Foundation’s acting CEO, Craig Swift, said this afternoon.