Laws to Tackle Problem Gambling Still on the Federal Government Agenda

The Federal Government is reported to be pushing ahead with its plan to introduce and pass laws to tackle problem gambling an has indicated that a package of Bills to do this will be introduced and sought to be passed during the winter session of federal parliament which is due to start next Tuesday (8 May 2012).

The Government’s package of three Bills will be as follows:

• National Gambling Reform Bill

• National Gambling Reform (Related Matters) Bill (No. 1)

• National Gambling Reform (Related Matters) Bill (No. 2)

The Government has indicated that it wants the Bills passed by 28 June 2012 and describes the legislation as being aimed at reducing “the harm caused by gaming machines to problem gamblers, their families and communities, and those who are at risk of experiencing that harm”.

The legislation will allow for a trial in the ACT of “pre-commitment technology” and  for its expansion to other states and territories if the ACT trial proves to be successful. Further, from 2013 all new poker machines manufactured must be capable of supporting pre-commitment by 31 December 2016 and all poker machines must be part of a state-linked pre-commitment system, except eligible small venues which will have longer to comply.

Further reading at: 

• FaHCSIA website;

• Prime Minister's media release of 21 January 2012;

• Media release of 22 January 2012

• Gambling laws on parliament program

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