Victoria introduces mandatory closure period for gaming areas of pubs and clubs

Pubs and clubs across Victoria will from 30 August onwards be required to close their gaming machine areas between the hours of 4am and 10am under new reforms aimed at minimizing gambling harm.

In a statement, the Victorian government said it is currently working with impacted venues in regard to the mandatory closure period in order to provide as much notice as possible ahead of the 30 August deadline.

The new measure, it added, was specifically targeting problem gamblers because while relatively few people gamble at pubs and clubs at 4am, those who do are at a much higher risk of experiencing gambling harm.

These reforms provide an important break in play so patrons can “get out of the zone” and be more aware and informed about their behaviors, it explained.

They are also aimed at curbing the practice of some venues staggering opening hours to encourage gaming with no breaks.

“Providing people with a break in play is an important gambling harm prevention measure – it gives people a chance to step out of the zone and consider how much time and money they’re willing to lose,” said Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne.

“Victoria’s enforcement of gaming room closure times will protect those most vulnerable to gambling-related harm.”

According to the government, a record AU$165.6 million has been included in this year’s budget for the delivery of Gambler’s Help services, community education campaigns and research.