NSW invests in new responsible gambling initiatives

The New South Wales (NSW) Office of Responsible Gambling has taken a number of steps into developing new responsible gambling initiatives, after investing AU$1.3m (£715,712) into player protection measures.

The initiatives will include a new website, developed by the University of Sydney Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic, which will give punters the chance to self-exclude from gambling venues across the state. 

It acts as a complement to the state’s existing self-exclusion programme, which allows the chance to voluntarily exclude from gambling venues, however this is limited to in-person self-exclusion. The new website is due to receive AU$176,400 in funding. 

“Just as technology is changing the way people gamble with the rise of online and app-based betting, it is also driving exciting new initiatives to support people to gamble responsibly,” NSW Office of Responsible Gambling director Natalie Wright said.

“By funding programs and research projects like these, we will further develop and underpin the evidence base for responsible gambling policy and programs.”

Deakin University has also received a significant investment which will be distributed towards delivering online courses offering information on education and research for problem gambling. 

The new courses will offer a social learning approach for the community, with the hope of encompassing  young people, Indigenous, lower socioeconomic and vulnerable groups.