JOY Burch has introduced the Lotteries (Approvals) Amendment Bill 2015 to reduce red tape for schools, charities and community groups who run low-risk lotteries like raffles or bingo.

“The reforms I introduce today cut red tape for businesses and organisations. Our schools, local charitable organisations and community groups will no longer have to complete an application process, pay a fee and comply with regulatory code of practice provisions every time they want to run a low-value game of bingo or a fundraising raffle,” Joy said.

“Without compromising the Commission’s strong regulatory oversight, the Bill provides for more flexible risk?based regulation. Through this Bill’s amendments to the Lotteries Act 1964 and the Gambling and Racing Control (Code of Practice) Regulation 2002, the Government has responded to community concerns that the approval requirements for low-risk lottery activities are too onerous.

“Our community expects a fair go when participating in lotteries. The Bill retains the requirement to conduct a fair lottery, whether the Commission’s approval is required or not. The Commission’s existing powers to undertake compliance activities and respond to complaints also remain unchanged.

“The ACT Government will work with businesses and organisations to provide information and support during implementation of these changes introduced through the Bill”, Ms Burch concluded.

A gaming activity’s risk level is considered against its gambling harm, the potential for criminal activity and maintenance of consumer protection measures. In line with research conducted by the ANU, the Commission considers low-risk gaming activities to be infrequent or one-off; of small prize value; and lottery products like raffles, Housie, bingo and trade promotions (rather than gaming products such as electronic gaming machines).

Further information about lottery regulation can be found at gamblingandracing.act.gov.au.

[Photo by James Petts, a attribution licence]