Tuesday, 3 October 2023

Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

Introduction and first reading

Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (12:08): I move:

That I introduce a bill for an act to amend the Casino Control Act 1991, the Casino (Management Agreement) Act 1993 and the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 and for other purposes.

Motion agreed to.

Danny O’BRIEN (Gippsland South) (12:09): I request a brief explanation of the bill.

Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (12:09): The bill will deliver gambling harm reforms and improve the implementation of recommendations of the Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence by introducing mandatory closure periods for gaming venues outside of the casino, improving government’s ability to prohibit harmful betting products from being offered to Victorians and strengthening the statutory management provisions to ensure continuity of operations if the casino licence is cancelled. The amendments also clarify administrative issues around the payment of winnings and provide a framework for addressing downtime in the casino management precommitment system.

Read first time.

Ordered to be read second time tomorrow.