New approaches to gambling harm minimisation

THE House Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs will hold public hearings on Tuesday, February 28 and Wednesday, March 1 as part of its inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm.

Chair of the Committee, Peta Murphy MP said, "On Tuesday, we will hear from researchers and state and territory governments about the effectiveness of current online gambling harm minimisation measures, and new approaches that may be necessary to reduce harm.

"We have heard strong evidence calling for further restrictions on gambling advertising, and state and territory governments have suggested they are open to considering further reforms to limit the exposure of children and young people to gambling advertising. Further restrictions on gambling advertising are opposed by broadcasters, such as commercial radio and audio, who will also be appearing on Tuesday," Ms Murphy said.

On Wednesday, the committee will scrutinise the current regulation of simulated gambling and gambling-like activities in interactive games, as well as the effectiveness of current counselling and support services to address online gambling harm.

Ms Murphy said, "There is growing concern in Australia, and internationally, about the increasing accessibility of loot boxes in video games and social casino games on mobile devices and their potential to introduce children and young people to features that resemble gambling.

"The committee will hear from researchers and industry about these games and whether changes to legislation or the classification system are required to reduce the risks of harm to children and young people," she said.

"On Wednesday, the committee will also hear from counselling and support services to learn more about the effectiveness of current gambling services and barriers to seeking help. This evidence will be critical to the committee making practical and informed recommendations to ensure that people are able to access the help they need, when they need it," Ms Murphy said.

Programs for the committee’s upcoming hearings are available on the inquiry website here.

The hearings will be live streamed on the APH website: www.aph.gov.au/live.

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday, 28 February 2023
Time: 8:30am to 4:10pm AEDT
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

Date: Wednesday, 1 March 2023
Time: 8:30am to 4:10pm AEDT
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

Further information about the inquiry, including published submissions, hearing dates and transcripts, are available on the inquiry webpage.

 

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