Victoria’s gambling regulator has named the enhanced use of technology to monitor the industry as a key focus over the coming years as it looks to keep up with rapid advancements being made by operators across the sector.
Releasing its Strategy 2029 policy direction on Tuesday, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) said it wants to be agile and able to respond to emerging challenges at a time when gambling companies are utilizing more sophisticated technology to attract and retain gamblers.
“In response we will leverage technology, data, research and intelligence to allow us to identify risks earlier and act sooner,” said VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan.
“Combining intelligence, research and partnerships allows the VGCCC to identify the issue early, understand its potential impacts and take proportionate action.”
Technology would, Neilan added, be concentrated regulatory areas where it can have the greatest impact – targeting engagement, education, harm minimization measures and regulatory action to address the risks facing that community.
“New online products, promotions and payment options are making gambling more accessible and easier to engage with,” she said.
“New technology and shifts in the market are reshaping how gambling operates and how people experience it. This increases the risk of gambling harm and makes it harder to regulate activity across more channels.
“We will be proactive and adapt our regulatory approach to strengthen harm minimization and improve our effectiveness. Gambling is an inherently risky activity. Minimizing the risk of harm to the community underpins everything we do.
“The VGCCC will use every tool available so that gambling in Victoria is as safe and fair as possible, and the industry operates safely, fairly and with integrity.”
According to the VGCCC’s Strategy 2029 outline, its core areas of focus over the next three years are to prioritise places and demographic groups where gambling harm is occurring to inform regulatory action; to draw on lived experience and community insight to increase our understanding of gambling harm; to invest in public awareness of gambling harm through targeted campaigns and education; to strengthen prevention and early intervention by embedding gambling harm minimization into settings, standards and industry practices; and to communicate how its work is reducing gambling harm for people and communities.
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