Community feedback is being sought for a City of Greater Geelong draft policy that focuses on reducing harm from all forms of gambling.
More than $89 million was lost to the pokies alone in Greater Geelong during 2019/20and 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 until Friday 10 December at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/
