VGCCC urges punters to bet once a week at most in harm awareness campaign

Victoria’s gambling regulator is asking punters to bet no more than once a week as part of Gambling Harm Awareness Week, which runs from October 24 to 31, the week before the Melbourne Cup.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) campaign focuses on how often and for how long people gamble. It promotes three practices: taking a break, betting once a week at most and setting a time limit.

Carlton’s Sam Docherty and Australian rugby league representative Cameron Munster are the ambassadors. The pair appear in new digital content with consumer neuroscientist Dr Phil Harris, who partnered with the VGCCC.

“When the rewards system in our brain is driving our decisions, we tend to turn down signals from other parts of the brain that are much more sensitive to risk,” Harris said.

The VGCCC said Victorians spend more than $7 billion a year on gambling, including $2.6 billion on wagering and sports betting.

VGCCC chief executive Suzy Neilan said operators have a role beyond the campaign week.

“We are focused on ensuring the industry has the systems and controls in place to minimise gambling harm and protect Victorians,” she said.

‘When operators fail to meet their obligations, we do not hesitate in applying appropriate regulatory action.’