News and media releases: GIRO

Racing Australia recently published the 2015–2016 edition of the Australian Racing Fact Book.

The Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation has issued decision-making guidelines for the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation to consider when determining an application for the approval of new pokies premises located in a building that includes permanent residential accommodation.

The Victorian Auditor-General's Office has tabled a report on the regulation of gambling and liquor in Victoria.

Victoria spent nearly $17 million, or 1.2 per cent, more on the pokies from July to December 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.

On 21 November 2016, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from Watsonia RSL Sub-Branch Inc to increase the number of pokies at Watsonia RSL Sub-Branch from 83 to 103.

On 28 and 29 November 2016, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from Doxa Social Club Inc to increase the number of pokies at The Meeting Place from 56 to 76.

On 8 December 2016, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation refused an application by Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group Pty Ltd to introduce 40 pokies at the Commercial Hotel in the City of Whittlesea.

On 14 November 2016 the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from Melbourne Football Club Limited to increase the number of pokies at the Bentleigh club from 80 to 88.

On 26 October 2016, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from Warragul Sporting and Social Club Inc to increase the number of pokies at the Warragul Sporting & Social Club in the Shire of Baw Baw from 80 to 100.

On 10 October 2016 the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from Collingwood Football Club Inc to increase the number of pokies at The Coach and Horses from 80 to 90.

On 29 September 2016 the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch Inc to increase the number of pokies at the club from 81 to 93.

The foundation has released a new background paper on responsible gambling to coincide with Responsible Gambling Awareness Week.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has affirmed the decision made by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation to refuse an application by the Sporting Legends Club in Sale to install an additional six pokies at its clubrooms.

On 5 July 2016, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from Stawell Harness Racing Club Inc to increase the number of pokies at the club from 30 to 45.

Tabcorp has released its 2016 Annual Report showing its results for 2015–16.

Victoria spent $45 million, or 1.7 per cent, more on the pokies in 2015–2016 than during 2014–2015.

On 17 June 2016, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from the Warragul Country Club Inc to increase the number of pokies at the club from 60 to 80.

The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation has upgraded its interactive map to include hotels and clubs with pokies, as well as Keno and wagering outlets.

Financial Counselling Australia has released a new report, Problem Gambling Financial Counselling: Survey and Case Studies. The report is based on two surveys of specialist problem gambling financial counselling agencies conducted in late 2015.

The Australian Association of National Advertisers has released a self-regulatory communication code in relation to wagering advertising and marketing that will cover Australian licensed wagering operators, such as TABs and online bookmakers (often referred to in public discussion as sports betting companies).