The Alliance for Gambling Reform welcomes the passage of the Casino Amendment Bill 2021 today in the Victorian Legislative Council. While the Bill is a welcome step in the right direction, much more is needed to be done to protect the wellbeing of communities across the state.

Anna Bardsley, a survivor with lived experience of gambling harm and a spokesperson for the Alliance says:

“Every day that Crown continues to operate without major legislative reform is another day that irreversible harm is inflicted upon communities across our state.

“So while we welcome the Casino Amendment Bill being passed by the Legislative Council, we also recognise that there is much more to do until everyone is safe from the predatory gambling industry.

“We want to see harm minimisation measures implemented not just at Crown casino, but at all our pubs and clubs that are being held hostage by dangerous poker machines designed to addict.

Tim Costello, the Chief Advocate for the Alliance says:

“Just years ago it felt like it was just myself and a handful of others who saw Crown for the menace that they are – yet here we are today after the Royal Commission and it’s clear that the veil has well and truly been lifted.

“This is an important first step from the Victorian government, but it cannot be the last.

“We now want to see the Premier honour his government’s commitment to meaningful consult and ultimately implement long-overdue reforms to protect the wellbeing of communities across the state.”