NSW invests AU$1.3m in responsible gambling initiatives

The Office of Responsible Gambling for the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) is to invest AU$1.3m (£715,712/€799,788/US$909,378) in a number of projects designed to help protect consumers from gambling-related harm.

Among the initiatives is a new website which, being developed by the University of Sydney Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic, will enable consumers to self-exclude from multiple gambling venues.

The project, which will receive AU$176,400 in funding, builds on the state's current self-exclusion technology by allowing players to voluntarily exclude themselves online. Currently the ClubsNSW multi-venue programme requires people to self-exclude from a gambling venue in person.

Deakin University has also received AU$250,000 to deliver two online courses that will provide education and research on responsible gambling and preventing and reducing harm.

According to the Office, these new courses will offer a social learning approach for the community, covering young people, Indigenous, lower socioeconomic and vulnerable groups. School teachers and support centres throughout NSW will also have access to the courses.

“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.”

The new funding comes after the Office last month provided almost AU$400,000 in grants to fund research into reducing and preventing gambling-related harm. The sum is being split between five universities across Australia, supporting projects that focus on helping young people and families, and employing new technology to tackle dangers that may arise from gambling.

Image: williamnyk