Thursday, 30 October 2025

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:11): This week is Gambling Harm Awareness Week, a time to reflect on how gambling affects families, friendships and communities across our state. For many Victorians, community clubs, pubs and RSLs are important places to come together, celebrate, connect and support local causes. They are a vital part of our social and hospitality fabric, but venues must also operate safely and responsibly, because while gambling is a popular recreational activity, it can cause real harm when things go too far.

The Allan Labor government is proud to continue to lead the nation in reducing gambling harm. We have introduced landmark reforms, including reduced load-up limits, slower spin rates and mandatory 4 am to 10 am closures, and we are now trialling account-based play. These changes put the power back in the hands of patrons, helping them stay in control and making gambling environments safer for everyone. But that is not all. We are also ensuring integrity and care across the system. Through the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission we have strengthened oversight, cracked down on high-risk operators and increased awareness of gambling risks. Through the new gambling harm prevention and response model, ably led by Minister Stitt, I might add, we have connected people to health, financial counselling and community support services.

This year’s Gambling Harm Awareness Week theme ‘Set before you bet’ reminds us that harm prevention begins with small, practical choices: setting spending limits, knowing the risks and, when needed, seeking support early. No government has done more to protect Victorians from gambling harm. We will keep delivering evidence-based reforms that build a safer, fairer and more responsible system for all.