It is intended that this publication will serve to increase the accessibility of valuable evidence and experiences to policy-makers within Australia. The University of Queensland and the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust also hope that it will encourage more partnership approaches toward developing public policy that are informed by broad groups of experts, including Churchill Fellows.

Demos researchers recently held two roundtables with Playtech, one of the largest suppliers of gambling products in the world, bringing together the gambling industry with academics, policy-makers and charity experts. This report provides an overview of these discussions and details the key themes that emerged. It also provides a suggested framework for future measures.

The ACT government has prepared this discussion paper on how it proposes to lower the bet limit on poker machines or electronic gaming machines (EGMs) from $10 to $5 and to introduce a $100 credit (or load-up) limit for EGMs.

The findings in this report suggest that the close proximity of gambling venues to people’s homes increases financial hardship and mental health problems, particularly for socio-economically vulnerable populations. This evidence may be useful for state and local governments with their decisions to approve future gaming licence applications.

Through surveys and interviews, this study seeks to better understand the harm experienced by children that can be attributed to their parents’ gambling.