ACT Government welcomes plans to tackle problem gambling

The ACT Government welcomes the Federal Government's plan to tackle problem gambling which was announced on Saturday.

As part of the plan the Commonwealth has indicated its desire to hold a trial of mandatory pre-commitment in the ACT.

"The ACT Government will actively participate in a trial of mandatory pre-commitment if the Commonwealth Government and the clubs sector here in the ACT are able to reach agreement on the terms of a trial," Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said.

"The details of the trial offer released yesterday clearly indicates that this is a serious offer from the Commonwealth and one which I am sure Clubs ACT and the broader club sector will consider carefully.

"If the trial proceeds in the ACT it will be important that the ACT Budget is not adversely affected. The ACT Government will continue to talk to the Commonwealth Government about how this will be achieved.

"We are strongly supportive of the overall plan outlined by the Commonwealth which is aimed at tackling problem gambling in the community," the Chief Minister said.

In November last year the ACT Government introduced a Bill into the Legislative Assembly to impose limits on ATM withdrawal within a gaming venue to $250 per day and to reduce the number of gaming machines in the ACT by one thousand to a total of 4000 machines.

"Our draft laws are in line with the direction of the Federal Government's plan and we look forward to other parties support for this legislative reform," the Chief Minister concluded.