Ballarat City Council adopted its Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy on Wednesday night.
It replaces the previous Gaming Machine Community Policy (2011) and strengthens Council's commitment to reducing gambling harm.
The updated policy aims to:
- Adopt a public health approach to the minimisation of gambling harm across the municipality
- Outline Council's roles in relation to Planning, Regulation and Enforcement, Community Partnerships, and Advocacy
While gambling regulation is a State Government issue, the City of Ballarat plays a vital role in helping to influence decision making and ensuring gambling-related harm across the community is minimised, particularly with Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs).
Reduced gambling harm is also a key commitment of the City of Ballarat Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2031.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said it was important Council led the way in minimising gambling harm across the municipality.
"As a Council, we are very aware of the effects of gambling harm across Ballarat and we want to make sure we make every effort to reduce that damage," Cr Moloney said.
"While gambling regulation is controlled by the State Government, we can still advocate to influence policy decision making and to help promote harm minimisation programs that could benefit our residents.
"This policy really strengthens our commitment to reducing gambling harm across the municipality wherever possible."
