The NSW Premier proposes a $235 million overhaul of the gambling industry.

In a bid to curb problem gambling and promote responsible gambling practices, the New South Wales (NSW) Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has proposed a $235 million overhaul of the gambling industry in the state. The proposed reforms include a suite of measures that aim to reduce the harm caused by gambling, particularly for vulnerable groups like problem gamblers and young people.

Background

Gambling is a significant industry in Australia, with Australians spending over $24 billion on gambling activities in 2018–2019. However, gambling can also have significant negative social and economic impacts, particularly on those who experience problem gambling. In NSW, it is estimated that over 200,000 people are at risk of or experiencing problem gambling, with the cost to the economy estimated to be around $4.7 billion per year.

Proposed Reforms

The NSW Premier’s proposed reforms aim to reduce the harm caused by gambling in a number of ways, including:

1. Increased Funding for Support Services: The NSW Government plans to increase funding for gambling support services by $100 million over four years. This funding will be used to expand existing services and establish new programs to help problem gamblers and their families.
2. Introduction of a Cashless Gambling System: The government plans to introduce a cashless gambling system that will limit the amount of money that can be spent on gambling. This system will also provide real-time information on gambling activity, allowing individuals to monitor their spending and make informed decisions about their gambling habits.
3. Ban on Gambling Advertising: The government will ban gambling advertising during live sports events and on public transport, including buses, trains, and ferries. This measure aims to reduce the exposure of young people to gambling advertising and reduce the normalisation of gambling in society.
4. Introduction of a Gambling Ombudsman: The government plans to establish a gambling ombudsman to oversee the industry and ensure that operators comply with responsible gambling practices.
5. Introduction of a Self-Exclusion Scheme: The government plans to introduce a self-exclusion scheme that will allow individuals to ban themselves from gambling venues for a period of up to five years.

Benefits of the Reforms

The proposed reforms have the potential to significantly reduce the harm caused by gambling in NSW. By increasing funding for support services and introducing measures like a cashless gambling system and a self-exclusion scheme, the government can help problem gamblers and their families get the help they need to overcome their addiction.

The ban on gambling advertising during live sports events and on public transport also has the potential to reduce the exposure of young people to gambling advertising, which can help prevent problem gambling from developing in the first place.

Conclusion

The NSW Premier’s proposed reforms are an important step towards reducing the harm caused by gambling in the state. By increasing funding for support services, introducing a cashless gambling system, banning gambling advertising, establishing a gambling ombudsman, and introducing a self-exclusion scheme, the government can help to promote responsible gambling practices and reduce the negative impacts of gambling on individuals and the community.