Current Activities
On 1 November 2012, the Government introduced legislation to reduce the harm caused by poker machines, following extensive consultations on its exposure drafts. On 29 November 2012 the legislation passed through Parliament and the National Gambling Reform Acts received Royal Assent on 11 and 12 December 2012.
About the National Gambling Reform Acts
The National Gambling Reform Acts will put in place the most significant and far reaching national reforms to tackle problem gambling ever seen in Australia.
It requires:
- All new poker machines manufactured or imported by 31 December 2014 to be capable of supporting pre-commitment.
- All poker machines to be part of a state linked voluntary pre-commitment system – phased in over a decade. Larger venues will have until 31 December 2018, but small venues (about half of venues across Australia) will have more time.
- Electronic warnings and cost of play displays on poker machines to be introduced at the same time as pre-commitment.
- A $250 daily withdrawal limit from ATMs in gaming venues (excluding casinos) from February 2014.
Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform
On 30 September 2010, the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform was appointed by resolution of the House of Representatives and the Senate to make recommendations to the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Assistant Treasurer, to inform any position that the Commonwealth will take to the COAG Select Council on Gambling Reform. As at May 2013, the Committee had completed seven inquires, with a further three inquiries underway. Further information can be found on the Committee’s website. The latest report discusses the legislation – Fourth Report, The National Gambling Reform Bill 2012 and related bills
Response to Inquiries into the National Gambling Reform Bill 2012 and related bills
The Government has released a combined response to recommendations of the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform’s fourth report and the Community Affairs Legislation Committee of the Senate Report on the National Gambling Reform Bills.
View the Response to the Inquiries into the National Gambling Reform Bill 2012 and related bills.
Response to Inquiry into prevention and treatment of problem gambling
The Government has released a full response to recommendations of the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform’s third report into The prevention and treatment of problem gambling.
View the Response to Inquiry into prevention and treatment of problem gambling.
Response to Inquiry into pre-commitment schemes
The Government has released a full response to recommendations of the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform’s first report into The design and implementation of a mandatory pre-commitment system for electronic gaming machines.
View the Response to Inquiry into pre-commitment schemes.
Productivity Commission Inquiry Report into Gambling
In July 2008, the Council of Australian Governments endorsed an update of the 1999 Productivity Commission Inquiry into Gambling. The Inquiry commenced on 24 November 2008.
On 23 June 2010 the Australian Government tabled the final report. View the final Productivity Commission Inquiry Report into Gambling.
Support services:
Problem Gambling Website
The Australian Government has established the problem gambling website to provide information about the prevalence and impacts of problem gambling in Australia.
Gambling Help Online
The Gambling Help Online national website offers free live counselling, information and email support to anyone seeking support for a gambling concern in a confidential environment 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Telephone support
If you require immediate assistance for a gambling concern please call the National Helpline for Problem Gambling on 1800 858 858 for free, professional and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Financial counselling to support people affected by problem gambling
The Financial Counselling to Support People Affected by Problem Gambling initiative will provide funding over four years (to 30 June 2016) to support individuals affected by problem gambling. This initiative is part of the commonwealth Financial Counselling service. Information about this initiative can be found on the Department’s Commonwealth Financial Counselling webpage.