Treatment is an important facet in the fight against problem gambling, but more focus should be on prevention. Since gambling has become ubiquitous in the entertainment industry, it is important that young people and other vulnerable groups are taught to control their gambling spending before losing control ever becomes an issue.

The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation has boosted its funding to $2.4 million to help prevent gambling-related harm. Organizations across the state can apply for funding to help run their own local problem gambling prevention programs.

“Partnering with local organisations on locally relevant projects will assist the foundation achieve its vision for a Victoria free from gambling-related harm,” says Edward O’Donohue, Victoria’s Minister of Liquor and Gaming Regulation. “Enhancing prevention activities will also reinforce Victoria’s position as a leader in addressing problem gambling and promoting responsible gambling”.

The increase in funding comes after a 2013 review of the Responsible Gambling Foundation. The results suggested that there should be an increase in the foundation’s prevention activities and programs. The focus should be on determinants of problem gambling. For example, being exposed to gambling from a young age is a determinant that causes many youths to develop harmful gambling behaviour.

Programs dedicated to discouraging this would be ideal for the funding provided by the Responsible Gambling Foundation. There are also many environmental factors at work, such as patrons’ geographical locations and income. It is important that prevention programs take these factors into consideration when determining how best to help Victorians develop responsible gambling habits.

The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation is looking for programs that present problem gambling prevention in an innovative way. Interested organizations can learn more at: https://www.tenders.vic.gov.au/tenders/index.do;jsessionid=AD910273DB0808B191709861551BE253.

Applications will be accepted until April 10th, 2014.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.