O’Donohue – Responsible Gambling Awareness Week helps inform the community

Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation Edward O’Donohue today launched Responsible Gambling Awareness Week 2014 at Federation Square.

Mr O’Donohue said Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is an opportunity to remind the Victorian community of the benefits of taking a responsible approach to gambling, especially in an environment where gambling activities are rapidly changing.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is a committed leader in addressing problem gambling,” Mr O’Donohue said.

“Today the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation launches its Gambling and the Workplace initiative.

“It aims to support employers and help them understand the effects gambling can have on the workplace, in order to help prevent problem gambling and promote responsible gambling.

“This initiative has been developed in response to the changing face of gambling, brought about by advances in digital technology and an increase in advertising for sports betting.

“The Coalition Government and the Foundation recognise the importance of conducting research to properly understand and respond to these changes, in order to effectively tackle problem gambling and promote responsible gambling.”

Mr O’Donohue praised the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation whose work in partnership with the gaming industry, community groups and state and local government has helped make Responsible Gambling Awareness Week a continuing success.

Responsible Gambling Awareness Week events are being held across Victoria.

“As Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation, I recognise the importance of educating people about responsible gambling, and helping them understand risk so they can make informed decisions about their own gambling,” Mr O’Donohue said.

“The Coalition Government continues to implement practical measures and initiatives designed to reduce the incidence of problem gambling, including the removal of ATMs from gaming venues, which led to a 7 per cent reduction in spending on electronic gaming machines last financial year.

“We are also introducing pre-commitment technology on electronic gaming machines by the end of 2015. This Australian-first initiative will help gamblers track and control how much they spend.”