Background

Council’s previous Public Health Approach to Gambling Harm Policy (endorsed 2022), has been reviewed. This policy outlines Council’s commitments to preventing harm from gambling in Monash. We have updated our policy based on the latest evidence, research and legislative requirements.

Gambling harm is not limited to financial harm and may negatively impact physical and mental health as well as relationships. Gambling harm can impact not just the person gambling but their family, friends, employer and community.

In 2024/25, $126 million was lost to electronic gambling machines (pokies) in Monash. This places Monash in the top 10 local government areas for losses due to gambling on pokies in Victoria.

We recognise gambling harm can be a difficult topic. If you need support or someone to talk to about gambling harm you can contact Gamblers Help or 1800RESPECT for free 24/7 support.

We have updated our Policy to:

  • Make it easier to read

    • The background and context is a standalone document.
    • Clearer scope on gambling activities.
    • Updated language based on evidence and legislative changes.

  • Include new and relevant evidence

    • Research and data was updated to include:
      • impact of the cost of living on people's experiences of gambling harm.
      • identifying cohorts of community most at risk of gambling harm to include young people, older women, people experiencing financial hardship and people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

  • Support communities

    • Provide more information and education on gambling harm.
    • Targeted communication to key cohorts at risk of gambling harm.
    • Work with community groups and sports clubs to implement gambling harm prevention.

  • Continue advocating

    • Continue to advocate to State and Federal governments to take steps towards reducing gambling harm.

There is no difference, these are all terms for Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs).

Appendix D in the Background and Context includes a glossary of common terms used in gambling harm prevention.

Council’s role in gambling harm prevention includes:

  • Planning and regulation: Council assesses applications for new pokies machines under the Monash Planning Scheme and through its Leasing and Licensing arrangements can prevent gambling activities on Council owned or managed land.
  • Advocacy and leadership: Council has a responsibility to act on the needs and concerns of the community. We will also lead by example, not accepting money from the gambling industry and by keeping gambling harm a visible and important issue.
  • Funding and resourcing: Council supports community events that don't involve gambling and can provide spaces for groups and clubs to run social activities that provide an alternative to gambling.
  • Communicate and build capacity: Council keeps the community informed about gambling issues and helps raise awareness to reduce gambling harm.

There are no changes to how the Gambling Harm Policy impacts sporting clubs and community groups.

As per the pervious policy, all users of Council facilities including sporting facilities, pavilions and community halls are not permitted to promote gambling or gambling venues.

The updated policy makes it clearer on how Council will implement the policy through the Sports Club Framework, Leasing and Licensing Policy and the Community Grants and Partnership program.

The background and context was removed from the policy to make it easier to read.

The Background and Context document supports the policy by providing updated evidence and research that supports our policy position to preventing harm from gambling.

If you or someone you know is being impacted by gambling, you can contact:

  • Gamblers Help if you are experiencing harm from gambling on 1800 858 858
  • 1800RESPECT for support with family violence on 1800 737 732

Both services are free and offer 24/7 support.

What happens next?

We are inviting our community to provide their feedback on our refreshed Public Health Approach to Gambling Harm Policy by 15 March.

All feedback received will be reviewed to inform the final Public Health Approach to Gambling Harm Policy presented to Council in the coming months.

We will also be reviewing our Active Monash Sports Club Framework and invite people to have their say on that soon.

Complete the survey below, and click the follow button at the top of this page to be kept-up-to-date about the policy.

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - active

    Community consultation

    11 February - 15 March 2026

  • Timeline item 2 - incomplete

    Review of feedback and finalise draft policy

    Late March 2026

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    Presentation of final policy to Council for endorsement

    By mid-2026

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    Report back to community

    By mid-2026

Monash City Council is committed to protecting personal information provided by you in accordance with the principles of the Victorian Privacy & Data Protection Act 2014.

The information you provide will be used to assist Council staff to determine the community needs and priorities to inform this project.

You may access information you have provided to Council and make corrections if you believe that information is incorrect. For further information including Council’s information privacy policy, visit www.monash.vic.gov.au

If you or someone you know is being impacted by gambling, you can contact:

  • Gamblers Help if you are experiencing harm from gambling on 1800 858 858
  • 1800RESPECT for support with family violence on 1800 737 732

Both services are free and offer 24/7 support.