VGCCC urges weekly betting limits in new campaign

The Victorian regulator has enlisted AFL and rugby league stars to promote betting breaks, time limits and greater awareness of gambling behaviour.

Australia.- The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has launched its annual Gambling Harm Awareness Week campaign, running from October 24 to 31. The educational initiative focuses on encouraging responsible play and promoting self-management strategies for sports bettors and casino patrons ahead of peak sporting events like the Melbourne Cup.

Under the theme “Know Your Why,” the 2026 campaign encourages individuals to evaluate their gambling frequency and duration through practical measures. The initiative highlights three core safe-gambling practices: taking regular breaks during play, limiting betting frequency to a maximum of once a week, and setting predetermined time limits before engaging in gambling activities.

To reach a broader audience, the VGCCC partnered with Australian Football League star Sam Docherty and Rugby League player Cameron Munster, who serve as official campaign ambassadors. Both athletes share personal perspectives on setting spending thresholds, managing emotional triggers, and prioritising personal responsibilities alongside recreational betting.

Official figures cited by the regulator show that total annual gambling expenditure in Victoria exceeds AUD7bn (US$4.9bn), with wagering and sports betting accounting for AUD2.6bn (US$1.8bn) of the total.

Commenting on the launch, VGCCC Chief Executive Suzy Neilan emphasised that responsible gambling education forms part of a broader regulatory framework. Neilan noted that operational compliance and harm minimisation systems remain continuous, year-round priorities for licence holders across the state, with the commission maintaining oversight to ensure operators meet their statutory obligations.