The research highlighted that there is a substantial level of agreement across all sectors for the need for a national operational approach; with all stakeholders accepting they have community service obligations towards minimising problem gambling.
As such it is important that the next steps build on the current commitment and momentum that has been generated through the project. In addition, given the lack of evidence to support the effectiveness of strategies an agreed approach would provide the framework within which to track and monitor the full range of strategies.
The current ‘ad hoc’ approach at state level has resulted in inconsistent impacts being incurred by stakeholders as they continue to meet varying and differing legislation.
11.1 Development of a national operational approach
It is important that the Commonwealth government considers moving towards the establishment of an agreed national approach. As part of this the Commonwealth government in conjunction with the states and territories, and through consultation with the industry sectors, should identify what constitutes the most appropriate approach to take the issue forward. In developing the approach it will be important to consider the following:
- establishing an agreed definition of what problem gambling is amongst all stakeholders. Currently, such understanding primarily sits with social policy makers and this research has shown that there is a lack of wider understanding from other stakeholder groups.
- in addition to establishing an agreed definition, it will be important to articulate and generate some broader understanding of the key influences and drivers that contribute to problem gambling. For example, it has been difficult to substantiate any clear causal link between problem gambling and ATM/EFTPOS functionality. Without such understanding stakeholders struggle to appreciate the potential benefits of the current range of strategies being recommended and implemented.
- addressing the shortcomings in the current process with regard to stakeholder involvement and participation, for example the limited consultation with respective financial service providers on the strategies put forward by the states.
11.2 Principles for change
The following principles are provided as a guide on which to base future decision-making within this arena. There are eight key principles that have evolved from the research and consultations that consistently drive all stakeholder feedback. These principles are inclusive of their varying positions while having at their core the issues that arise from problem gambling for the individual and the wider community.
- Government has an obligation to protect the vulnerable through strategies to minimise the harm that arises as a consequence of their individual behaviours. This obligation is differentially applied at both the Commonwealth and state level and across the various industry stakeholder groups.
- Strategies must balance the needs of the social gambler with minimising the harm that can arise for problem gamblers when accessing funds and/or credit. Additionally, strategies must also balance the needs of the general customer with the need to minimise harm for the problem gambler in their relationship with financial institutions.
- Regulation will not keep pace with technology changes, if anything technological innovation will change the landscape when considering issues associated with problem gambling.
- The focus needs to be on the individual and their access to funds, not on the device, as ultimately the device will become irrelevant as technology moves to cashless transactions.
- Evidence of effectiveness of differing strategies and approaches needs to guide future decision making especially where there is a direct impact on the wider community and differing impact on the various industry sectors.
- To achieve effective solutions and outcomes, future strategies should be underpinned by recognition of the shared responsibility across the various industry sectors (eg, financial services, community sector, gaming venues, poker machine operators and manufacturers).
- Consultation should be inclusive across sectors and aimed at balancing the implications of proposed strategies to maximise their effectiveness while recognising cost and business obligations.
- It needs to be recognised that any solutions will inherently present a conflict of interest for the various stakeholders with regard to balancing business objectives with social and community service obligations.
The various sectors involved in this project have shown a willingness and keen interest to contribute in this arena of investigation, particularly given the importance of the implications of strategies on their operations. Further research and consultation should endeavour to include these key groups in a more coordinated way, placing greater responsibility on the individual sectors to collectively, identify roles, responsibilities, implications, cost benefit analysis and monitoring procedures to give effect to any agreed strategies.