In an Australian first, Victorians will have the power to track and limit their betting on any electronic gaming machine in the state.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Liquor and Gaming Jane Garrett said the voluntary pre-commitment scheme, YourPlay, was available at any venue from today.
The technology allows players to limit how much they spend, track their time, and set personalised warning messages to remind them to stop if they choose to do so.
The statewide rollout coincided with the release of a new study which examines the emerging trends and prevalence of problem gambling in Victoria.
The study found that one in three players would use a pre-commitment system to set a time or money limit on their play.
The Andrews Labor Government will review YourPlay in six month’s time by using the data from the gambling study as a benchmark to help measure the impact of the scheme.
The study identified significant shifts in the gaming landscape over the past six years, such as the growth of sports betting and online gambling.
The study outlines a number of concerning trends, including an increase in the number of low risk gamblers, particularly among women.
It collected data from more than 13,000 participants who took part in random landline and mobile phone interviews.
Key findings from the study include:
- the number of people whose gambling puts them in the low-risk category has increased from around one in 20 in 2008 to one in 12 in 2014, particularly among women aged 35 to 44
- the prevalence of problem gambling has remained the same since 2008 at 0.81 per cent (35,600 people)
- 8 per cent (approx 122,500 people) have experienced problems as a result of someone else’s gambling
Ms Garrett said the findings will help to shape government policy to better address problem gambling.
The Labor Government has invested $150 million in the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation for harm minimisation programs such as counselling services, community groups, gamblers support services.
View a copy of the Study of Gambling and Health in Victoria at responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Jane Garrett
“The Andrews Labor Government is leading the way when it comes to the rollout of YourPlay. This is just one of the tools we are giving people to reduce gambling-related harm in the community.”
“The study provides us with significant insights and identifies new emerging trends which will help us tackle problem gambling in the community.”
“By understanding how people gamble, we can better tailor our support programs and deliver policy to help those who need it most.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021