A Monash expert is available to comment regarding the sweeping gambling reforms being implemented to minimise gambling harm across Victoria.
Dr Charles Livingstone, Associate Professor and Head of Gambling and Social Determinants Unit, Monash University
Contact: + 61 400 395 889 or [email protected]
Read more of Dr Livingstone’s commentary here: Monash Lens
Dr Charles Livingstone is one of Australia’s foremost gambling researchers. He is a regular and outspoken contributor to the public debate on gambling, particularly with respect to the social impact of electronic gambling machines, and has undertaken numerous consultancies for state and federal departments.
The following can be attributed to Dr Charles Livingstone:
“The announcement by the Andrews government to introduce a universal pre-commitment system for poker machines in Victoria is very welcome. It will do a great deal to prevent avoidable harm, and it will provide those who wish to use poker machines with a powerful tool to manage their gambling expenditure – both for time and money. This will certainly reduce the uptake of harmful gambling habits and the subsequent disasters that can flow from this – including financial, relationship, mental and physical health, and criminal issues.
“Unfortunately, no timeline has been announced for the major reforms – including the pre-commitment system. This is surprising, given that the voluntary YourPlay system, already operating across all Victorian pokies, could readily be adapted to a universal pre-commitment system. This could be achieved rapidly.
“The government has announced plans to consult extensively with industry over the proposals. This may be understandable, though unfortunate. The gambling industry, like other harmful commodity businesses, is highly skilled at influencing governments, delaying reforms, and maintaining its revenue flows – which are significant. Because of the revenue the gambling industry controls, it is well resourced and has a long history of frustrating effective reforms. Most of the money that is lost to poker machines comes from people suffering significant harm. These are precisely the people who would be helped by a pre-commitment system. This would inevitably lead to a decline in gambling losses, and thus pokie revenue.
“The government should ensure that gambling industry involvement does not slow down the implementation of this overdue development. It is not technically difficult, and could be introduced by the end of 2023, if desired. I appreciate that the government feels the need to consult with industry. However, the situation is a little like consulting with a fox on the design of the new henhouse. Such a move is not going to produce a real solution.”
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