Wednesday, 5 March 2025

Ministers statements: gambling harm

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:21): I rise today to update the house on the Allan Labor government’s continued commitment to reducing gambling harm in our community. Last week we launched a new round of gambling harm research grants, providing $250,000 to fund research projects that increase our understanding of gambling harm and inform effective harm minimisation strategies. The Allan Labor government is committed to tackling gambling harm and ensuring our policies and services are informed by the latest research. This round of grants focuses on five key themes: understanding gambling products and environments, the community impact of gambling, effective harm prevention, the influence of industry marketing and improving recovery and support services. This research will be guided by consultation with people with lived experience, public health experts and service providers to ensure it is targeted and impactful.

Our government has funded 18 research projects over the past five years, providing critical insights into how we can better prevent gambling harm. One example is research by Professor Nicki Dowling at Deakin University, which explored the experiences of those affected by someone else’s gambling. Another is Associate Professor Alex Russell at CQUniversity, who examined the risks of adolescent gaming habits transitioning into gambling-related harm. This work matters. Recent data shows that more than one in 10 Victorians who gamble may be experiencing gambling-related harm. That does not just affect them, it can also affect about 200,000 of their loved ones. Applications for these grants are now open and close in just over three weeks, on 27 March. For the researchers out there, I encourage you to try different angles with gambling and provide some great research for us. This is just one step in our government working towards protecting Victorians and reducing gambling-related harm in all our communities.