Gambling Policy
2011-2015
Contact: Malcolm Roberts-Palmer
Social Planning and Research Officer
malcolm.roberts-palmer@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 2
1. Maribyrnong City Council Gambling Policy Framework ........................................................ 4
2. Gambling in Victoria .............................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Background .......................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Wagering (Racing, and Sports Betting)................................................................................ 6
2.3 Lotteries ............................................................................................................................... 7
2.4 Electronic Gaming Machines ............................................................................................... 7
2.5 Online Gambling .................................................................................................................. 8
3. Gambling in Maribyrnong...................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Background .......................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 History of losses and numbers of EGMs .............................................................................. 8
3.3 EGM losses by suburb in Maribyrnong.............................................................................. 10
3.4 EGM numbers and losses per adult in Maribyrnong ......................................................... 11
3.5 Problem Gambling ............................................................................................................. 11
3.6 Deregulation of electronic gaming machine market in Victoria ....................................... 13
3.7 Changes to EGM Caps........................................................................................................ 13
3.8 EGM Design ....................................................................................................................... 14
4. Regulation............................................................................................................................ 14
4.1 Planning Powers ................................................................................................................ 14
4.2 Accessibility of gambling venues ....................................................................................... 14
4.3 The location of gambling venues in areas of social and economic disadvantage ............. 15
4.4 Gambling Venue Design .................................................................................................... 16
5. Advocacy.............................................................................................................................. 16
6. Research .............................................................................................................................. 16
7. Recommended actions for the implementation of this policy............................................ 18
7.1 Planning ............................................................................................................................. 18
7.2 Advocacy............................................................................................................................ 18
7.3 Research ............................................................................................................................ 19
8. Review of this policy ............................................................................................................ 19
Maribyrnong City Council Draft Gambling Policy
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Introduction
Gambling is a multi faceted industry that includes lotto, ‘scratchies’, table games,
racing, sports betting, electronic gaming machines (pokies) and more recently online
gambling.
Since the previous Maribyrnong City Council Responsible Gambling Policy expired in
2005, there have been significant changes to the gambling industry, the regulatory
environment and an increase in gambling expenditure with the associated emphasis
on community awareness, and harm minimisation.
The suite of policy and regulatory responses over the past decade have had mixed
outcomes especially with regards to protecting problem gamblers, and vulnerable
local communities. As a result, community and political concerns have escalated as
reflected by the intention of the Federal Government to intervene.
A key principle governing this policy is to target Council’s effort and investment
where it can directly influence policy and regulatory developments in the gambling
industry that have the greatest negative impact on the local community.
Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs) are the most dominant source of gambling
losses in Australia and these losses have been most acute and sustained in
Maribyrnong since their introduction. Maribyrnong per capita losses on EGMs are
among the highest in Victoria.
The introduction of regional caps for EGMs and the associated recent changes to the
Victorian Planning Scheme together provide an opportunity for Council to directly
influence any future movements of EGMs.
At the same time, a new deregulated EGM market from 2012 will create an
unpredictable gambling environment, which requires a flexible Council response for
the duration of the policy.
This policy reflects Council’s role in managing gambling in the municipality and its
commitment to support responsible gambling. It is informed by;
1.
Adapting and applying the outcomes of the Australian Government’s
Productivity Commission Inquiry Report on Gambling to a municipal and
neighbourhood context;
2.
The direct legal and regulatory experience from a recent planning process,
leading to an appeal by Council (Known as ‘The Edgewater decision’);
3.
Building on the lessons of Council’s previous policy;
4.
Analysing gambling data and its impacts on local communities; and
5.
Council’s commitment to improve the amenity of the municipality, as
outlined in Objective Four of the Council Plan 2009-2013. Council can use its
planning and advocacy role to promote responsible gambling and reduce the
impact of problem gambling in the community.
This policy outlines Council actions for managing gambling within the current public
policy and the gambling industry context in Victoria and Maribyrnong. It focuses on
Maribyrnong City Council Draft Gambling Policy
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EGMs and recognises Council’s new and emerging planning role in managing EGM
movements and locations in Maribyrnong.
The objectives of this policy are to reduce harm and minimise the negative impacts
to:
1. Problem gamblers and their families; and
2. Vulnerable communities where significant and cumulative gambling losses
contribute to poor socio-economic outcomes.
Three key elements comprise the framework (outlined in Section 1) to meet these
objectives;
1. Regulation - To realise Council’s intent through the creation of a clear
planning scheme policy to reduce the number of EGM’s in areas of
disadvantage, reduce the accessibility of gambling venues and influence
venue design that encourages EGM gambling.
2. Advocacy - To ensure that Council’s advocacy effort has a direct positive
influence on local communities and individuals.
3. Research - To keep a watching brief on the growing level of research to
inform Council actions.
How to read this policy
This policy has been directly informed and can be read in conjunction with the
Gambling Discussion Paper at Attachment 1. The Discussion Paper informs the
framework of this policy and includes information about the gambling industry in
Victoria and Maribyrnong.
It also provides information and analysis on the Victorian and Federal Government’s
policies and actions associated with managing gambling, and clearly defines the
limits of Council’s powers, and influences in reducing harm associated with gambling
in Maribyrnong.
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1. Maribyrnong City Council Gambling Policy Framework
Maribyrnong City Council Gambling Policy
Regulation






Council’s planning powers
Location of gambling venues
in areas of disadvantage
Accessibility of gambling
venues
Gambling venue design
State and Commonwealth
Government policy and
regulatory changes
associated with gambling
sector
Networks and Forums such as
Local Government Working
Group on Gambling, local
community groups, MAV,
ALGA and LeadWest.
Research
Advocacy

Research into new policy and
regulatory developments in
Victoria and across Australia
to inform Council’s regulatory
and advocacy role.
2. Gambling in Victoria
2.1 Background
Gambling in Victoria consists of electronic gaming machines, the Crown Casino,
Wagering (Racing and Sports Betting), Lotteries and Club Keno, which are
regulated by the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation.
(Source: Appendix 15, VCGR Annual Report 2010-11)

EGMs outside the Crown Casino accounted for 51 per cent of gambling
losses in Victoria in 2009-10.

Crown Casino represents 26 per cent of losses which is based on losses for
table games and EGMs. Crown Casino has 2500 EGMs and 350 table
games. Figures are not available for the breakdown of losses from Crown.

Lotteries account for 9 per cent of total losses.

Wagering which includes race track betting and TAB, accounted for 15 per
cent of total losses.

Club Keno accounts for 0.1 per cent of total losses.
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(Source: Appendix 15, VCGR Annual Report 2010-11)
As with gambling losses in Victoria, the taxation revenue raised from gambling in
Victoria shows that EGMs make up a large proportion of revenue raised. EGMs
account for 57 per cent of gambling taxation revenue in Victoria.
2.2 Wagering (Racing, and Sports Betting)
Wagering in Victoria consists of the following:

On-course bookmakers – licensed by the Victorian Commission for
Gambling Regulation. Bookmakers offer fixed odds and provide wagering
products such as win and place bets.

Corporate bookmakers – Fully incorporated bookmakers who operate over
the telephone and internet, and are often listed companies or subsidiaries
of listed companies.

Totalisators – operated by TABs, totalisators do not offer fixed odds bets.
All bets are placed in a pool, with the winning bets sharing the pool (minus
a percentage take by the operator).

TABs – refers to the bodies that are exclusively licensed to operate
totalisators and to offer off-course retail watering services. TABs in
Victoria also offer sports betting and fixed odds betting on races.

Betting Exchanges – similar to a stock exchange, a betting exchange is a
market placer for punters to trade wagers at different prices and
quantities. A betting exchanges matches punters who are seeking to bet
that a particular outcome will occur.
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The regulation of wagering is undertaken by the Victorian Commission for
Gambling and Racing (VCGR). Increasingly, Victorian clubs and pubs are seeing the
combination of EGM gambling with sports betting, which further encourages
gambling in these venues. This increases the atmosphere of gambling in the
venue.
2.3 Lotteries
Since July 2008, there are two public lottery licences operating in Victoria,
Tattersalls Sweeps Pty Ltd and Intralot Australia Pty Ltd.

Tattersall’s Sweeps are responsible for Tattslotto, Super 7s Oz Lotto,
Powerball, Super 66, The Pools and Monday, and Wednesday Lotto.

Intralot Australia are responsible for Keno 10/20/70 (Lucky Keno), Pick 5
Heads or Tails, Cross and Match (Lucky Lines), TV Bingo (Lucky Bingo Star),
Pick 3, Instant Lottery Games (Lucky Tix) and Instant Scratchies.
As with wagering, lotteries are regulated by the VCGR.
2.4 Electronic Gaming Machines
Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) have been operating in Victoria since 1991.
As of 30 June 2011:

There are 26,778 EGMs in Victoria with total losses of over $2.6 billion for
2010-2011.

The average number of EGMs per 1000 adults was 6.19.

The average net losses per adult were $613 and the average losses per
hour were $13.

The average number of adults per venue is 8,460.
Since 2000, losses from Victorian EGMs have increased by over $4.8 billion.
However, in the same period the number of EGMs operating in Victoria has
decreased by 630. The level of EGMs per adult has also fallen from 7.76 to 6.19
per 1000 adults.
As with Wagering and Lotteries, the VCGR regulates EGM gambling in Victoria.
The Gambling Regulation Act 2003 provides the legislative framework for
gambling in Victoria. The Act stipulates that a maximum of 30,000 EGMs may
operate in Victoria. This includes 2,500 in Melbourne Casino and 26,682 EGMs in
clubs and hotels in Victoria. The Act also states that at least 20 per cent of
machines must be situated outside Melbourne and that a maximum of 105 may
be permitted within a single venue.
EGM gambling in Victoria is also subject to Local Government regulation. The
Victorian Government introduced amendments to the Victorian Planning
Provisions in 2006 in response to its commitment to improve the input of local
councils into the location of EGMs.
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A planning permit is now required for all EGMs, replacing the previous as-of-right
provisions for gaming machines if the area covered by the EGMs was less than 25
per cent of the gross floor area where liquor may be consumed.
EGMs remain prohibited in strip shopping centres (the definition of which may be
contested, as in the Edgewater case) and specified shopping centres with the
exemption for hotels in clubs in strip shopping centres being removed.
2.5 Online Gambling
Online gambling includes the following:

Online wagering - consisting of racing and sports betting

Online gaming - poker, blackjack, baccarat, roulette and virtual EGMs

Lotteries – such as Tattslotto, Ozlotto and Keno
In 2009-2010, online poker accounted for $249 million and online casinos
accounted for $541 million in gambling losses in Australia. Statistics are not
currently available for the level of online gambling in Victoria.
However, there has been a significant increase in online gambling advertising,
particularly during major sporting events such as the 2010 AFL Grand Finals and
weekly during radio and TV broadcasts in 2011.
Online Gambling is regulated by the Commonwealth Government through the
Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). The IGA prohibits the provision of online
gambling services to customers in Australia. However, it does not prohibit access
to online services. In effect, this means that online gambling can still be provided
by overseas companies.
3. Gambling in Maribyrnong
3.1 Background
Gambling in Maribyrnong consists of electronic gaming machines (EGMs),
wagering (Racing and Sports Betting), Lotteries, Club Keno and online gambling.
Statistics are not available for the level of losses from wagering, lotteries and
online gambling in Maribyrnong.
However, it is likely that the breakdown of losses from different forms of
gambling in Victoria is similar in Maribyrnong. It is reasonable based on EGM
losses, to assume that City of Maribyrnong per capita losses on other forms of
gambling will be greater than the Victorian average.
The City of Maribyrnong currently has 439 EGMs and a cap of 511 EGMs and a
ratio of 7.64 EGMs per adult, which is the eighth highest ratio in Victoria.
Maribyrnong’s losses from EGMs were over $56 million for 2010-11.
3.2 History of losses and numbers of EGMs
Since the introduction of EGMs in 1991, Maribyrnong has seen a steady increase
in losses from EGMs from $13 million in 1992-93 to $64 million in 2001-02. Since
2002-03 the losses have remained steady between $59 million and $56 million.
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(Source: City of Greater Dandenong 2010. Not adjusted for inflation and VCGR EGM Gambling
Statistics 2011)
Over the same period the number of EGMs has increased from 368 in 1992-93 to
439 in 2010-11 under the Victorian cap for EGMs. The following graph
demonstrates that the increase and decrease in EGM numbers in Maribyrnong is
more dramatic than the level of losses in the municipality.
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(Source: City of Greater Dandenong 2010 and VCGR EGM Gambling Statistics 2011)
Currently, there are 439 EGMs operating in Maribyrnong. However, Maribyrnong
is permitted to have up to 511 EGMs under the regional EGM cap established by
the Victorian Government. It is anticipated that the remaining machines will be
operating once the new Edgewater development is completed and the ownership
of EGM licences becomes clearer when the deregulated market begins operating
in 2012.
3.3 EGM losses by suburb in Maribyrnong
The following graph shows the breakdown of EGM losses per suburb in
Maribyrnong for 2010-11.
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(Source: VCGR EGM Gambling Statistics 2011)
Braybrook has the highest level of losses from EGMs in Maribyrnong, with $16.6
million. These losses are from two venues the Braybrook Taverner and the Ashley
Hotel. Footscray has the second highest losses with $11.5 million, which is spread
across three venues: Club Leeds, Court House Hotel and the Powell Hotel.
Maidstone’s losses of over $10.8 million are accounted for by one venue, the
Yarraville Cricket Club.
3.4 EGM numbers and losses per adult in Maribyrnong
Although Maribyrnong’s overall losses from EGMs are not as high as other
municipalities in Melbourne, it does have high ratio of EGMs per 1000 adults. In
2010-2011, the number ratio of 1000 adults per EGM in Maribyrnong is 7.64
which is the eighth highest ratio in Metropolitan Melbourne. The highest ratio is
the City of Maroondah which has a ratio of 9.32 EGMs per 1000 adults.
Maribyrnong also has the third highest losses per adult with $985 for 2010-11
compared to Greater Dandenong which is $1,110 and Brimbank which is $1,004
losses per adult. However, unlike Dandenong, Maribyrnong has nearly twice the
losses per adult compared to the number of licensed EGMs.
3.5 Problem Gambling
Although there are no statistics for problem gambling in Maribyrnong, it is
estimated that there are between 80,000 to 160,000 people in Australia who
could be classified as problem gamblers and between 230,000 and 350,000
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people are moderate risk who experience lower levels of harm and who may
progress to problem gambling.
Over 1 per cent of Victoria’s population can be classified as problem gamblers.
Around 85 per cent of problem gamblers identified in the 2003 Victorian
prevalence survey spend most of their money on EGMs and 80 per cent for severe
problem gamblers. The corresponding figure in the 2008 Victorian Department of
Justice survey was 64 per cent of problem gamblers highest spend activity was
EGMs.
According to the same survey 91 per cent of problem gamblers and 77 per cent of
moderate gamblers use EGMs. It is estimated that problem gamblers account for
40 per cent of the total losses from EGMs in Australia.
The impacts of problem gambling include:
Health and psychological impacts
Problem gamblers are likely to experience a number of psychological and health
related impacts. Evidence suggests that a high proportion of people presenting
for help with gambling are also dealing with other health or behavioural issues.
The Productivity Commission Inquiry Report into Gambling found that:

the rate of likely hazardous alcohol use was 5 per cent;

the risk of depression was 71 per cent; and

the rate of daily smoking was 5 per cent.
In addition, there is evidence that problem gambling further exacerbates existing
health and psychological problems with 36 per cent having a severe mental
disorder that contributed to their addiction.
The Department of Justice Study on the health impacts of gambling further
confirms this trend. In the study of 15,000 respondents they found that:

46 per cent reported anxiety as a major issue compared with 17.17% of
moderate gamblers.

43% of problem gamblers smoke between 11-20 cigarettes a day

25% of problem gamblers – risk alcohol consumption 15-28 drinks per
week.

52% reported depression as a major issue compared with 20.33% for
moderate gamblers.

21% of problem gamblers were obese

28% of problem gamblers had a disability
Increase in income stress and poverty
A key trigger for most people becoming problem gamblers is financial loss which
directly links the economic and social impacts of problem gambling. Uncontrolled
spending of problem gamblers and household financial stress can further affect
Maribyrnong City Council Gambling Policy
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the financial security of an individual or their family, impacting on food security
and an ability to pay medical and dental expenses.
Family and relationship breakdown
Problem gamblers are more likely to face family and relationship breakdown
issues as a result of the pressures of problem gambling. A qualitative research
project in Victoria found that there was a link between family violence and
problem gambling. Family violence increased with the development of gambling
problems, and there was an increased risk of gambling problems with the
presence of family violence – overwhelmingly as women gamble to cope with
abuse.
Increase in crime
Several studies have demonstrated that income generating crimes such as theft,
break and enter and fraud are used by some problem gamblers to support their
addiction.
A 2008 study of all Australian convictions for deception related offences between
1998 and 2007 identified 528 criminal cases in which gambling was a significant
factor. The study found that Victoria has the highest number of criminal cases
relating to gambling at 156, as well as the highest losses to fraud $102.7 million.
3.6 Deregulation of electronic gaming machine market in Victoria
The introduction of the Gambling Regulation Amendment (Licensing) Act 2009 has
lead to the auction of EGM licences in Victoria in May 2010. This auction has
involved the change in ownership of EGM licences in Maribyrnong, with licences
being purchased by the owners of pubs and clubs within and external to the
municipality. This may trigger the transfer of EGMs between venues and/or
applications for new venues in the municipality.
It is uncertain how the ownership of EGM licenses will change in the future and
the impact this will have on the concentration of EGMs and the number of venues
in Maribyrnong. The new ownership system will operate from 2012.
3.7 Changes to EGM Caps
A factor that may influence the movement of licences in the deregulated market
is potential for changes to the EGM cap in the municipality. The Victorian
Government introduced caps on the number of EGMs that can be contained in
local areas in 2001, which were reviewed in 2006. There are currently caps on the
number of EGMs in 19 regions which are set at 10 EGMs per 1000 people or at
the gaming machine density in the region at the date the cap was imposed,
whichever is lower.
Council is concerned that the current number of EGM licences, determined by the
limit of 10 EGM’s per 1000 adults in capped regions, may not take account of
future population growth. The current ratio for EGMs per 1000 adults in
Maribyrnong is 7.64, which is below the maximum allowed under the cap.
Maribyrnong will experience significant population growth over the next 10 years,
with our population predicted to increase by over 19,700 people by 2021. Under
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section 3.2.4A of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 the VCGR can at its discretion
review its determination and alter the maximum number of EGMs permitted in a
region if the current number is no longer appropriate.
In effect, the deregulated market could lead to EGM licence holders applying to
the VCGR to increase the number of EGMs at their venue, in order to compete
effectively with other licence holders in the municipality. It could also lead to an
increase in the number of EGMs in the municipality and the development of new
EGM venues.
In addition to this, the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 requires the VCGR to review
an EGM cap every five years. If the VCGR decides to modify the cap after the
review its determination it is then published in the Victorian Government Gazette.
3.8 EGM Design
EGM design is as a significant contributing factor to problem gambling. The
Productivity Commission Inquiry Report on Gambling found that EGMs have the
capacity for rapid repetition of games. The rapid repetition allows for players to
continuously place bets on the machines, which are often small bets of a dollar or
less. EGM users can have the sense of dislocation, as though they are not
connected to reality. Many players acknowledge that they play EGMs to escape or
tune out from a variety of personal situations.
Council supports the introduction of national design standards for EGMs which
will reduce the opportunity for problem gambling.
4. Regulation
4.1 Planning Powers
Under the Victorian Planning Provisions, Local Councils in Victoria have planning
powers which can influence the location and design of gambling venues.
Council intends to develop a planning scheme policy for EGMs which will aim to
address key areas of concern for EGM gambling in Maribyrnong. These include:
4.2 Accessibility of gambling venues
Hotels and clubs are often located in or around activity centres or near local
shopping areas. This makes it more likely that people conducting other business
in their local area will engage in gambling.
90 per cent of people living in metropolitan Melbourne reside within a 2.5
kilometre radius of a club or hotel with EGMs and 55 per cent in non
metropolitan areas. A survey of 8,500 Victorian residents by KPMG found that 32
per cent of gamblers travelled an average of 2.5 kilometres to a venue and 57 per
cent less than 5 kilometres.
One of the key issues associated with moderate and problem gambling is the
location of gambling venues in local areas. A study by the Department of Justice
found that:

over 53 per cent of EGM players travelled no more than 5 kilometres.
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
Over 42 per cent of problem gamblers travelled between 2-5 kilometres
compared to 46 per cent for moderate gamblers and 41 per cent for low
risk gamblers.

Over 12 per cent of problem gamblers were prepared to travel between
6-10 kilometres and 26 per cent over 10 kilometres.
4.3 The location of gambling venues in areas of social and economic
disadvantage
The highest level of losses from EGMs in Victoria is in areas of social and
economic disadvantage. This includes areas with low incomes, poor education
outcomes and higher unemployment levels.
The SEIFA index for social and economic disadvantage shows that municipalities
of Greater Dandenong, Maribyrnong and Brimbank have the highest levels of
disadvantage in Victoria. Greater Dandenong losses amounted to $1,159 per
adult, with Maribyrnong and Brimbank at $1,042 and $985 respectively.
In Maribyrnong, losses from EGMs are higher in disadvantaged areas. The suburb
of Braybrook had over $16.6 million in EGM losses in 2010-11 which was the
highest in the municipality and one of the highest per capita losses from EGMs in
Australia.
Braybrook has a SEIFA index rating of 760.1 and is the second most disadvantaged
suburb in Victoria. Braybrook also has a high level of welfare dependency with 29
per cent of the population on income support benefits.
A key trigger for most people becoming problem gamblers is financial loss which
directly links the economic and social impacts of problem gambling. Uncontrolled
spending by problem gamblers and household financial stress can further affect
the financial security of an individual or their family. This can in turn impact on
food security and an ability to pay medical and dental expenses.
In affect, problem gambling combined with income stress can create a downward
spiral that leads to even higher levels of debt, and a greater reliance on income
support and community services.
Council recognises there are significant issues with the location of gambling
venues in areas of disadvantage in the municipality. A high proportion of problem
gamblers are already on low incomes and facing increasing debt problems, a
reliance on social welfare services and charities and the potential risk of
homelessness.
A study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that in 2007/8,
2,462 people across Australia who had a gambling related issue sought
government assisted accommodation support Supported Accommodation
Assistance Program.
Council’s preferred option for the distribution of EGMs in the municipality is the
concentration of machines in existing venues in areas of low disadvantage. This
would assist in lowering the impact of EGM gambling in areas of high
Maribyrnong City Council Gambling Policy
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disadvantage such as Braybrook and Maidstone. It could also reduce the impact
of accessibility of EGMs in the municipality.
4.4 Gambling Venue Design
Gambling venue design and activities can contribute to EGM problem gambling
by creating an environment that increases the sense of escapism. The placement
of machines near other facilities such as toilets, bars or next to eating areas can
allow gamblers to continue with other activities while using the machines. A lack
of natural light in a gambling area can also contribute to the sense of escapism
that some gamblers feel when playing EGMs.
In addition, the placement of ATMs and EFTPOS facilities in prominent places in
gaming venues further increases the risk for problem and moderate gamblers.
Apart from this, venues also provide other inducements to gamble such as
raffles, free tickets, free alcohol, free food and giveaways. These often encourage
people to stay in a venue for a longer period. Other inducements are linked
directly to gambling include:

awarding gifts to gamblers who reach a certain number of points on their
loyalty cards; and

jackpot nights where the first person who gains a certain number of
points on their loyalty card receives a cash prize, raffle tickets or coupons
that can be converted into credits for EGMs.
5. Advocacy
Council regularly advocates for policy and regulatory changes that encourage
responsible gambling and take account of the social and economic impacts of
gambling on the Maribyrnong community. In particular, Council will continue to
lobby the Commonwealth and the Victorian Government for better management
of EGM gambling and the maintenance of the current EGM cap in Maribyrnong.
Council’s advocacy activities include contributing submissions to inquiries and
meeting with government and gambling industry representatives.
Council will also continue to work with other Councils across Victoria to advocate
for responsible gambling through the Victorian Local Government Association’s
Local Government Working Group on Gambling, the Municipal Association of
Victoria and the Australian Local Government Association.
In addition, Council will advocate for responsible gambling through the LeadWest
western region Councils’ and businesses network.
6. Research
Research into the management and the social and economic impacts of the
gambling sector activities in Maribyrnong will assist in informing future revision of
this policy and the development of a Council planning scheme policy for EGMs.
This research will consist of analysis of the social and economic impacts of the
gambling sector activities in Maribyrnong, changes in the local market and policy
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and regulatory developments in the gambling sector in Victoria and across
Australia.
In addition the research will also focus on areas of gambling activities that
Maribyrnong currently does not have detailed information on including EGM
design which influences problem gambling, wagering (Racing and Sports Betting)
Lotteries, Club Keno and online gambling.
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7. Recommended actions for the implementation of this policy
As part of the implementation of this policy, Council will undertake the following
actions:
7.1 Planning
Council will develop a planning scheme policy for EGMs that aims to:

Restrict the accessibility of gambling venues in the municipality to reduce
the opportunity for gambling.

Restrict the location of EGM gambling venues in areas of and in close
proximity to social and economic disadvantage in the municipality.

Influence the design of gambling venues, particularly in relation to the
location of EGMs in gambling venues.
7.2 Advocacy
Council will:


Continue to advocate for improved Commonwealth and State
Government regulation and management of the Victorian electronic
gaming machines market through the following actions:

Support the introduction of a national pre-commitment scheme for
EGMs to assist problem gamblers to more effectively manage their
losses from EGMs;

Advocate for the introduction of national standards for EGM design to
help reduce problem gambling

Support Victorian Government programs for harm minimisation and
reducing problem gambling;

Support the maintenance of the current EGM cap in Maribyrnong;

Make submissions to State and Commonwealth inquires on gambling
and;

Meet with government and gambling industry representatives to
represent the interests of the Maribyrnong community.
Continue to advocate for responsible gambling practices through:

The Victorian Local Government Association, Local Government
Working Group on Gambling;

Municipal Association of Victoria;

The Australian Local Government Association;

The LeadWest forum for western region Councils and businesses; and

Raising local community awareness of the risks of gambling on health
and wellbeing and build partnerships with local community groups.
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7.3 Research
Council will undertake ongoing research into developments in the gambling sector
at a local, Victorian and national level. This will involve research into the social
and economic impacts of gambling, changes in the local market and policy and
regulatory developments in the gambling sector in Victoria and across Australia.
This research will help inform Council’s ongoing regulatory and advocacy role in
relation to the gambling sector in Maribyrnong.
8. Review of this policy
Council will review this policy every 12 months to take account of any policy and
regulatory changes that may occur in the different gambling sectors in Victoria
and across Australia.
Maribyrnong City Council Gambling Policy
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