Gambling Reform

Key Policies on Gambling Reform

Reduce Gaming Machines
SA-BEST prioritises substantially decreasing the number of gaming machines in our state and seeks to implement a buyback scheme as a means of encouraging venues to eliminate gaming machines.

Harm Reduction Measures
To reduce the potentially crippling harm of gambling addiction, SA-BEST advocates for:

• The introduction of $1 maximum bets and the reduction of maximum jackpots to $500.
• The removal of misleading features like near-miss and losses disguised as wins.
• The elimination of note acceptors from gaming machines.
• The removal of EFTPOS machines from gaming rooms and the placing of limitations on withdrawal amounts.

Policy on Casino Penalties
SA-BEST wholeheartedly supported the government's new laws to significantly increase penalties for breaches by the Casino, raising the maximum penalty from $100,000 to $75 million.

Ban on Advertising to Minors
Gambling advertising is sinister across the board, but particular emphasis must be placed on ensuring all forms of gambling advertising directed at children – be it online, television, radio or social media platforms – are prohibited. SA-BEST further seeks to restrict all gambling advertisements during family-oriented programs and events and was pleased to see the Upper House pass my bill on an extended ban on gambling advertising during times when children are watching television and listening to radio. Similarly my motion to  ban gambling advertising on public transport spaces across the state was also carried through.

Regulatory Reforms

SA-BEST would see gaming rooms' operating hours reduced from 18 to 16, with one continuous break. We will continue to agitate for enduring gambling reform through the implementation of a policy for greater transparency and disclosure of political donations from the gambling industry alongside ongoing advocation for the commencement of an inquiry into online gambling. 
 

Online Gambling Regulations
The rampant criminality of illegal offshore gambling sites has no place in our, or any other, state. SA-BEST will endeavour to disrupt any access to these sites, whilst collaborating with federal authorities to prosecute illegal operators. Legal online betting operators would be required to offer mandatory pre-commitment options and self-exclusion measures under SA-BEST policies.

So too will the launching of a public health campaign targeting the harms of online gambling among the youth help prevent the scourge of gambling addiction in South Australia.