Jennifer Pittorino
Gaming machine areas in all Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay venues will soon be subject to mandatory closure periods following the state government’s first step to enforcing its landmark gambling reforms.
On October 3, Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Melissa Horne announced a bill to enforce mandatory closure periods for all gaming machine areas in venues, except Crown Casino, between 4am and 10am.
In August alone, $4 million was lost to Electronic Gaming Machines in Hobsons Bay, and $5 million in Maribyrnong.
Maribyrnong Mayor Sarah Carter said further changes are needed.
“While the state government’s proposed gambling reform is welcome news, we know that gambling is a significant problem in Maribyrnong and more action needs to be taken,” Cr Carter said.
“In the last year Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) players lost $1.2 million each week in our municipality.
“Council’s Reducing Harm from Gambling Policy 2022-2030 calls for further changes to the regulation of EGMs in Victoria to reduce harm from gambling for Maribyrnong residents.”
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) reports there are nine venues in Maribyrnong with pokies, and 471 machines across the municipality.
Hobsons Bay has the same number of venues, however there are 554 machines across the municipality.
Hobsons Bay mayor Tony Briffa said the reforms are welcomed by council.
“Hobsons Bay City Council has played a leading role in advocating to the state government to reform gaming venues to reduce the devastation gambling causes to families,” Cr Briffa said.
“Council recently endorsed a Gambling Harm Prevention Policy Statement that supports the timely implementation of these reforms that prioritise health and wellbeing and protect communities from gambling harm.”
The bill will also extend the Minister’s powers to ban harmful betting on activities that take place outside of Victoria such as sports played by minors.
The mandatory closures are set to come into effect by mid-2024.
