The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has called the ACT Government’s proposed cap on poker machine bet and credit limits, and introducing a central monitoring system, “a significant step towards reducing gambling harm in the Canberra community”.

Dr Emma Campbell, ACTCOSS CEO, said the proposed poker machine reforms “respond to long-standing advocacy by ACTCOSS, the Canberra Gambling Reform Alliance (CGRA), and other stakeholders campaigning to reduce gambling harm in the ACT”.

“The Government has committed to introduce these measures by end of 2022 in its Parliamentary and Governing Agreement, and the release of this discussion paper is a major step towards delivering on this promise.”

• Read more: ACT Government wants to limit poker machine bets

The ACT Government believes reducing the bet limit to $5 would halve the amount of money a person could spend and lose in one hour of play from $12,000 to $6,000.

“This is a welcome initiative as part of the ACT’s Government commitment to reducing gambling harm and protecting vulnerable consumers,” Dr Campbell said.

“The social and financial costs of gambling continue to severely impact ACT individuals, families, and wider community, and the ACT Government must do more to protect Canberrans from gambling harm.”

People experiencing domestic and family violence, older people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are at a higher risk of experiencing gambling harm.

Dr Campbell said: “Community clubs are an important and well-loved part of Canberra. By reducing risks of gambling harm, we can ensure that community clubs become safer, more inclusive, and welcoming spaces for all.

“Over 99 per cent of the ACT’s gaming machines are in community clubs. We look forward to seeing community clubs engage in the poker machine surrender initiative to become pokie free venues.”

ClubsACT said the sector was prepared to work with the ACT Government on the review.

“It is reassuring to see the ACT Government is continuing its targeted action to urgently address gambling harm in our community,” Dr Campbell said.

“ACTCOSS welcomes the introduction of betting limits to support people experiencing gambling harm.

“We are eager to see further action in the coming months, including the introduction of mandatory pre-commitment in all venues, and banning of poker machine operations between 2am and 10am,” Dr Campbell said.

The Discussion Paper is available on the YourSay website until 3 June 2022. The ACT Government will introduce a draft bill as part of the consultation process.

If you or a loved one are experiencing gambling harm, contact:

• Gamblers Helpline – 1800 858 858
• gamblershelp.com.au