Australian Capital Territory to address problem gambling

The ACT government will conduct a reform before the end of 2018 to tackle problem gambling  in the region.

Australia.- Problem gambling is one of the top concerns for authorities where the gaming industry is established and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is no exception. That’s why the local government has determined it will conduct new reforms to tackle the issue before the end of the year as new amendments to current regulation are still being worked on.

According to ACT attorney-general Gordon Ramsay, the definition of problem gambling needs to be reset in order to leave less room for interpretation by club staff. Furthermore, clearer guidelines will be developed to help staff spot problem gamblers and board members will also undergo “better training more often.”

In addition, the reforms will include a strengthening of enforcement and self-exclusion regulations, while gambling contact officers will be required to be on the gaming floor (at least one).

Enforcement mechanisms and penalties will also be modified in order to get the ACT’s gambling watchdog to be more threatening regarding potential violations of problem gambling-related regulations.

Mr Ramsay also explained that he has been discussing the best way to design the reform with the industry’s actors and said he will continue to hold meetings with experts and community representatives in September.