Monash Council’s Public Health Approach to Gambling Policy is due for an update with the latest evidence, data and community input.

Council recognises that the gambling activities addressed by this project are legal forms of recreation, however in certain situations gambling can cause harm. Council has a role under the Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 to prevent harm within the community, and harm from gambling is a significant problem within the City of Monash. We are ranked among the top 10 local government areas in Victoria on poker machine losses.

Gambling harm can affect anyone. Harm from gambling extends beyond financial harm and can include emotional, health, relationship, cultural, criminal activities and harm to study or work.

Monash Council has a history of leadership in the prevention of harm from gambling. Our achievements to date include:

• A founding member of the Alliance for Gambling Reform
• Leadership of the 'Enough Pokies' campaign
• Creation of supportive environments to prevent and reduce gambling harm in at risk community groups through the Clayton CANVAS project
• Development of strong Public Health Approach to Gambling Harm Prevention Policy statements that guide our ongoing action.

In Monash, Glen Waverley and Mulgrave are the suburbs with venues with the highest losses ($18m and $22m respectively in 2021-22).

The draft Gambling Harm Policy outlines Council’s commitment to reducing harm from gambling within the City of Monash and guides Council in its decision making on gambling harm prevention.

You can view the draft policy below:

The Policy includes actions under the following four priority areas:

• Plan & Regulate
• Advocate & Lead
• Fund & Resource
• Communicate

Council welcomes all community and stakeholder input on the draft policy.

Feedback closed 19 October 2022.