Plan to reduce gambling harm

GAMBLING losses in the Geelong region in 2018-19 were estimated at $247 million, and while pokies are often the focus of gambling statistics, about $129 million of those losses were from non-Electronic-Gaming-Machine gambling.

The City of Greater Geelong’s draft Gambling Harm Minimisation Council Policy aims to balance the community’s right to gamble, as a legal form of entertainment, with the need to promote wellbeing and address the public health issue of problem gambling.

The draft policy addresses prevention and reducing harm by promoting alternatives to gambling, evidence-based planning and community connection.

Expanding on the existing approach, which focuses solely on Electronic Gaming Machines, the draft policy proposes that council invest in community infrastructure, community programs and activities as alternatives to all forms of gambling.

If the policy is endorsed, the council would “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”.

Other new initiatives in the draft policy include the installation of internet filtering for all city public WiFi to prevent access to gambling sites and there would be a ban on gambling promotion or advertising at city-owned facilities.

Council or city meetings, community events, activities, programs and social outings would also not be permitted at venues that have pokies under the proposed plan.

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 via the city’s website before December 10.

Feedback from the community and key stakeholders, including local sporting clubs, community groups and organisations, EGM operators and local support services, will be considered before the policy is finalised.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said problem gambling could 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,” Cr Asher said.

“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.”

Community Health and Aged Care portfolio chair Cr Sarah Mansfield said the draft policy wouldn’t compel groups to move away from gambling revenue but provided the opportunity to start a conversation on how council could support groups that did.

“It’s well worth a read of this policy and I really urge those community members with an interest to provide feedback.”