Presentation of gambling research reports

This 2015 presentation (PowerPoint - 589KB) was provided by Dr Charles Livingstone and Louise Francis from Monash University to introduce the gambling research reports below.

The following reports were commissioned by the MAV to inform our advocacy approach on reducing community harm from EGMs.

Report on electronic gambling machine applications

This report helps inform our work with local government in seeking a more transparent and fair system of EGM licence regulation and decision-making in Victoria.

The publication was prepared by researchers from Monash University and explores how the VCGLR evaluated EGM applications based on social and economic benefits balanced with factors identified as detrimental to the community.

Monash University posits that the economic or financial benefits of applications are more persuasive to VCGLR determinations than arguments based on social factors detrimental to the community, which are often poorly quantified for lack of available evidence.

Read the entire report: Review of electronic gambling machine applications (Word - 1.61MB).

Evidence report and discussion on issues relating to electronic gambling machines

This report has three topics which are addressed through discussion of available evidence:

• Reducing maximum bets on EGMs – Based on the available evidence, it appears that a reduction of maximum bets to one dollar would have little effect on so-called 'recreational' gamblers and would have a positive effect for 'problem' gamblers who consistently bet at levels above one dollar
• Community benefits allocations by Victorian club gambling venues – Over 70 per cent of the community benefit claims listed by clubs is allocated to operating costs of the venues themselves
• Effects of further local caps on EGM numbers on gambling harm – Based on the evidence, there is a case to be made for a freeze or falling cap on EGMs in areas of disadvantage.