Gambling harm reduction measures welcome

Anglicare regularly calls for more to be done to reduce the harms caused by gambling.

In a paper released last year, our Social Action and Research Centre estimated that 57,000 Tasmanians are affected by someone else’s gambling.

We welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s announcement in September last year that our State would move to cashless gaming that incorporates mandatory pre-commitment in December 2024.

This will ensure that Tasmanians cannot lose more than they can afford to lose.

Late last month we welcomed a federal inquiry’s recommendation that sports betting advertising should be banned within three years.

Last week the Australian Government announced that a new national self-exclusion register called BetStop would start on 21 August.

BetStop covers all online gambling services. It’s a tool that can help people to choose not to gamble. Our Gamblers Help counsellors tell us that self-exclusion is working for Tasmanians.

Anglicare is also keeping a close eye on developments in Victoria, where there will be a trial of cashless gaming with spending limits and slower spin rates. The changes are expected to be in place by the end of this year.

These are very welcome developments and we will be watching closely.

Do you need support?

Anglicare’s Gamblers Help service provides support to people who gamble, and their loved ones.