With more than $89 million lost to the pokies alone in Greater Geelong during 2019/20, the community is being called on to consider a draft policy that focuses on reducing harm from all forms of gambling.
In 2018/19, the estimated loss from all forms of gambling in the Geelong region topped $247 million, with $129 million estimated to come from non-Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) activities.
The draft Gambling Harm Minimisation Council Policy aims to balance the right to this legal form of entertainment with the need to promote wellbeing and address the public health issue of problem gambling.
It focuses on preventing and reducing harm by promoting alternatives to gambling, evidence-based planning and community connection.
The draft policy expands on the existing approach, which centres solely on EGMs, and includes new additions such as:
- Invest in community infrastructure, community programs and activities as alternatives to all forms of gambling;
- Support any community or sporting club, group or organisation to divest themselves of EGMs or end financial dependence on gambling sponsorship or revenue through an agreed transition business plan;
- Install internet filtering to prevent access to gambling sites on all City public WiFi;
- Ensure the community grants program prioritises organisations, clubs and groups who carry out initiatives that focus on gambling prevention or harm minimisation, or who support alternative recreational activities;
- Not hold Council or City meetings, community events, activities, programs and social outings in venues that have EGMs; and
- Not permit gambling promotion or advertising at City-owned facilities.
The Council and City will be guided by this policy when responding to planning permit applications for EGMs, funding community infrastructure and programs, and advocating to the Victorian Government to reduce the number of machines in Geelong.
The community is encouraged to have its say from Wednesday 27 October to Friday 10 December on the Your Say page.
The final policy will take into consideration feedback from the community and key stakeholders, including local sporting clubs, community groups and organisations, EGM operators and local support services.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher
Problem gambling can seriously impact a person’s finances, mental and physical health, relationships with family, friends and carers, and work performance.
Millions of dollars are lost to all forms of gambling each year here in Greater Geelong, causing significant harm to individuals, families, local businesses and the wider community.
This draft policy helps the Council and City to tackle gambling-related harm head-on through a harm minimisation framework that concentrates on supporting and improving the wellbeing of our community.
Councillor Sarah Mansfield, Chair, Community Health and Aged Care portfolio:
While gambling is a legal activity, it can lead to wide-ranging negative health effects.
This draft policy will help us gather more data on just how much gambling is embedded in the community and the degree to which clubs and organisations rely on this source of income.
It doesn’t compel these groups to move away from this revenue stream but provides the opportunity to start a conversation on how council can support them if they choose to.
With a focus on education, promoting wellbeing and supporting the community and organisations, it’s well worth a read of this policy and I really urge those community members with an interest to provide feedback.
