Purpose and Intent
The purpose of the Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy (“Policy”) is to state Council’s position and define its role in relation to gambling harm within the City of Casey. Council’s position is that all forms of gambling and associated harms are a public health issue of significant and growing concern due to the ‘countless ways’ harm is experienced both directly and indirectly through gambling activities. Council’s role is multifaceted, with the Policy detailing a range of measures across five key areas that aim to quantify, reduce, and prevent local harm caused by all forms of gambling.
The Policy satisfies a key priority identified in the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021-25 to “develop a whole-of-Council approach to gambling harm”, drawn from Council’s legislated responsibilities “to protect, improve and promote public health and wellbeing within the municipal district” (Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008).
The Policy provides guidance and certainty in relation to decision-making and objectives concerning associations with, and approach to, gambling within the municipality. As the closest level of government to the community, Council is best placed to understand the harm from gambling and is committed to limiting its negative impacts.
Scope
While the Policy is relevant to all gambling activities that take place within the municipality, the predominant focus and area of Council’s greatest influence is on gambling at EGM (Electronic Gaming Machine) venues, through its legislated role in planning and decision-making processes.
The Policy also responds to the increasing risks of harm experienced in the community as a result of growth in online gambling, sports betting, and ongoing investments by the gambling industry to expand their reach into non-traditional markets. While Council has a more limited influence in these forms of gambling, there are concrete actions outlined to minimise harm within the community through advocacy, research and data, community engagement, and leadership.