Alcohol, other drugs and gambling
Royal Commission Inquiry into Crown Melbourne Casino Operator and Licences
In February 2020 the Victorian Government announced a Royal Commission into Crown Melbourne ‘s suitability to hold and operate a Victorian casino licence. Almost 100 submissions were received by both individuals and organisations.
The Salvation Army’s submission to the Royal Commission recommends viewing all the matters covered by the Terms of Reference through the lens of alleviating and minimising gambling harm.
Having acknowledged The Salvation Army does not have expertise in the intricacies of licensing conditions, we outline the effects of gambling and discuss the fact that harm is not only incurred by individuals participating in gambling. Our experience shows that gambling harm is also experienced by the family and friends of those who gamble and the wider community.
We also recommend reducing gambling harm though government policies that take a public health approach to addressing this issue, while continuing to support to individuals who encounter these effects.
The Royal Commission handed down its final report in October 2021. In the report there was emphasis upon the need for improve monitoring and that a gambling code should be issues to prevent gambling harm.
The Salvation Army will continue to advocate for protections to address the harmful effects of gambling.