The Victorian government has refused to deny that a controversial deal with Crown casinos will hamper its ability to legislate against problem gambling.

A deal that passed through Victoria's parliament this month extended Crown's casino licence until 2050, with the venue able to install a further 128 poker machines.

The casino will pay the government $250m upfront, with another $900m over the whole period.

But Victorian taxpayers will have to pay Crown up to $200m if any future anti-problem gambling regulation adversely affects the company's profits.

Victoria's minister for gambling regulation, Edward O'Donohue, refused to say whether that would rule out such measures.

"Importantly, pre-commitment is not affected by the deal with Crown and that is on track to be rolled out at the casino and every electronic gaming machine venue in Victoria by 1 December next year," he told Guardian Australia. "Importantly, statewide gambling initiatives are also not affected.

"The arrangements parliament passed with Crown reflect a modest increase in the amount of gambling at Crown and provide regulatory certainty up until 2050.

"I've been to Crown's responsible gambling area and met with people who work in this area. I know it's a matter they take seriously."

Voluntary pre-commitment comes into force in Victoria next year. But further action such as lowering maximum bet limits to $1, as recommended by the Productivity Commission, would appear problematic given the Crown deal.

Instead, the government is relying on new education programs delivered by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. The foundation is spearheading a new initiative with doctors that aims to help GPs identify problem gamblers and refer them for help.

"People with gambling problems experience more stress-related illnesses including high blood pressure, insomnia and migraine and often present with symptoms that appear unrelated to gambling such as depression, anxiety, stomach upsets and headaches," said Serge Sado, chief executive of the foundation.

"GPs are often the first point of call for people experiencing the negative effects of excessive gambling and can play a critical role in connecting people with gambling help services."

The foundation is launching a new advertising campaign, set to launch on Thursday, which targets people considered at risk of becoming problem gamblers. A smartphone app available from next week will issue an alarm if too much time is spent in a gambling venue.

About 30,000 people in Victoria have gambling problems, the foundation's research suggests, with a further 105,000 at risk of developing an addiction. Poker machines are the leading driver of problem gambling, although the foundation is also concerned by the growth of online gambling.

About half of problem gamblers have anxiety disorders, while a further 50% to 70% have an alcohol problem, the foundation said. Despite this, only 10% of problem gamblers sought help.

Tom Cummings, a former problem gambler turned reform advocate, said both Liberal and Labor parties in Victoria had "half-baked" policies.

"We know we can drop bet limits because it was done in Victoria a few years ago, when it dropped from $10 to $5," he said. "It was simple and easy. But suddenly $5 to $1 is the hardest thing on Earth.

"I'll be glad to see pre-commitment come in, but ultimately it's a voluntary program and it won't stop you when you reach your limit. It's like an alarm clock you can hit snooze on. Pre-commitment needs to be enforceable."

Cumming said he backed the goals of the Enough Pokies campaign, a coalition of 30 Victorian councils that is calling for greater powers to challenge and block the installation of new poker machines.

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