Council to minimise gambling-related harm with new Gambling Policy

Council has formally adopted its Maroondah Gambling Policy 2018, which outlines Council’s commitment to reducing the harmful effects of problem gambling, especially within its vulnerable communities.

The policy, adopted at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Monday 17 September 2018, sets out key priorities in the prevention and minimisation of gambling-related harm in the community.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Nora Lamont said that in developing the Maroondah Gambling Policy 2018, Council sought the views of the community and venue operators on gambling patterns and attitudes to gambling.

“Results from our community survey and telephone interviews with key stakeholders and venue operators found that there was general acknowledgement within the community, and amongst venue operators and service providers, that Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) gambling is associated with harm,” Cr Lamont said.

“This updated gambling policy will ensure that Council’s work in this area reflects current community needs and attitudes. We thank the community and local stakeholders for their input towards the development of this policy, which replaces our previous policy developed in 2007,” she said.

Figures show that in 2016/17, Maroondah had the highest density of EGMs per 1000 adults of all metropolitan municipalities in Victoria. Maroondah also had the fifth highest expenditure per adult of all metropolitan councils state-wide.

“In the 2016/17 financial year, more than $65.1 million was lost to EGMs across 10 venues in the City of Maroondah. That’s more than $178,397 per day, every day of the year,” Cr Lamont said.

“While Council is not the responsible authority when it comes to gaming machines in Victoria, we do get to have our say on behalf of our community. When existing gaming machine venues want to increase the number of EGMs they have, or when a new venue wants to include gaming machines, Council is notified.

“We then conduct a social and economic impact statement and provide a submission to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, before a determination is made.

“While Council recognises that not all gamblers in Maroondah are deemed ‘problem gamblers’, it’s important to stress that moderation is the key to keeping gambling under control. That’s why it’s important that we have a clear understanding of the community’s views on gambling and how it is impacting our society,” she said.

Council’s gambling policy is identified as one of the priorities in the Council Plan 2017-2021, which aims to promote and facilitate a safe culture relating to gambling.

“Council acknowledges the contribution of community stakeholders and those who took the time to provide their input and feedback on this key document, which has been instrumental in the development of the Maroondah Gambling Policy 2018,” Cr Lamont said.