The NSW State Government has revealed it will utilize the funds received from an AU$100 million (US$62 million) fine levied on The Star Sydney a year ago to fund harm minimization initiatives for the next five years.
The investment was announced to herald the launch of GambleAware Week, which is pushing the theme “What’s gambling costing you?” to encourage people to think beyond the potential monetary costs of gambling.
Among the initiatives being introduced as a result of the AU$100 million investment are AU$6.4 million to enhance self-exclusion and introduce third-party exclusions in pubs and clubs; AU$3.4 million for an independent panel established in to run and evaluate a cashless gaming trial in pubs and clubs; AU$21.7 million each year for the next three years to fund other gambling harm minimization initiatives and reforms; AU$10 million additional investment in 2023 for the provision of GambleAware counselling and support services; and more.
In a statement, the government said funding for gambling harm minimization was the next step in its long-term commitment to tackling money laundering, implementing gaming reform and reducing the harmful impacts of gambling across communities.
“We know there are people out there experiencing gambling harm in our community, and we are concerned the impact this has on individuals, their families and the broader community,” said Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris.
“We are committed to increasing awareness of the risks of gambling, in all forms, and I can assure people there is a lot of help and support out there in NSW communities, that is freely available and accessible.
“This GambleAware Week we encourage everyone to talk with friends, family or colleagues if you are worried about what gambling could be costing them.
“Our first budget delivers $100 million in harm minimization initiatives, including funding for the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling to provide support to people affected by gambling harm through these GambleAware services as well as working to prevent harm before it occurs by investing in education and awareness raising.
“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our community safe. We encourage everyone to take part in GambleAware Week and show our combined commitment to preventing gambling harm.”
The use of proceeds from the AU$100 million fine levied on Star follows other gambling harm prevention measures including a recent ban on external gambling-related signage at pubs and clubs, reducing the cash input limit from AU$5,000 to AU$500 for all new electronic gaming machines from 1 July 2023, capping the number of gaming machine entitlements in circulation, banning political donations from clubs involved in gaming, introducing Responsible Gaming Officers at venues with more than 20 machines, and expanding a third-party exclusion register to the whole state.
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