Gaming Machines and Pre-Commitment – Possible Australian Federal Legislation

There are two sets of bills currently being reviewed that seek to introduce various legislative requirements at the Australian Federal level which have the objective of maximising harm minimisation through the operation and use of gaming machines. These are:

• the National Gambling Reform Bill 2012 and two National Gambling Reform (Related Matters) Bills 2012 (the Government Bills). These bills, which are in draft form only, set up a national regulator with the responsibility of implementing precommitment and other harm minimisation strategies in relation to gaming machines and gaming machines venues and the imposition of additional taxes relating to the supply and operation of gaming machines; and