The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation is going to study the impact of COVID-19 on gambling harm.
It has been prompted by the Andrews Labor Government the research is demanding the investment of AU$600,000 (US$460,000) in the process.
The organisation’s annual Grants for Gambling Research Program will raise the funding for the same through its 11 rounds of the series.
The rounds are themed upon ‘Gambling in Victoria in 2020 – Covid-19 and beyond.’
“We know that throughout the pandemic and the associated lockdown, some Victorians benefitted from an enforced break from in-venue gambling, while others found it incredibly challenging,” said Melissa Horne, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, as per the reports by Gambling Insider.
She added: “To be able to plan and respond to gambling harm effectively, we need to know how COVID-19 affected gambling behaviours. This funding will be incredibly beneficial in understanding how those vulnerable to gambling were impacted by the pandemic.”