The ACT Government has updated the Gambling Harm Prevention and Mitigation Fund Guidelines, significantly expanding the fund's scope to support a wider range of gambling harm reduction initiatives across the Territory.
The changes deliver on an ACT Government election commitment to broaden the fund's reach, ensuring it can support more diverse, community-led efforts to reduce gambling harm. The revised guidelines respond to community calls for greater flexibility and will enable a broader range of organisations - including independent researchers, advocacy groups, and expert bodies - to apply for funding.
Minister for Gaming Reform, Dr Marisa Paterson, said the expanded scope strengthens the Territory's approach to gambling harm prevention.
"The ACT Government is proud to be delivering on its election commitment to reduce gambling harm in our community," Dr Paterson said.
"By expanding the scope of the Gambling Harm Prevention and Mitigation Fund, we are ensuring that revenue from gaming machines is reinvested into projects that actively reduce the harm those machines can cause.
"This gives more organisations the opportunity to contribute their expertise, lead innovative projects, and help us create a safer, more supportive environment for those at risk."
The fund is supported by a percentage of revenue from electronic gaming machines in the ACT. Under the updated guidelines, payments must align with one or more of the following purposes:
- Development and implementation of gambling harm minimisation, prevention, and reduction programs, policies or initiatives
- Research or studies that help reduce the club sector's reliance on gaming machine revenue
- Practical assistance to support clubs to diversify their income and reduce reliance on gaming
- Delivery of the ACT Government's gaming reform election commitments
- Any other use consistent with gambling harm prevention and mitigation, as determined by the Minister
"While this fund won't deliver every reform needed, it's a critical tool to help advance key commitments and support organisations doing vital work in harm reduction," Dr Paterson said.
These changes ensure the fund can now support a broader and more inclusive range of initiatives aimed at tackling gambling harm across Canberra.
