Gaming machines (also known as ‘pokies’) are harmful products which have negative impacts on individuals who gamble, their families and the broader community.
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Help shape the next gambling policy
We’re reviewing our gambling policy to update it based on the latest research and evidence – and we need your help.
Our updated policy will consider the health, social and economic impacts of gambling within our local community.
Share your views and experiences with us to ensure Council’s position on gambling reflects community needs and expectations.
Visit YourSay Whitehorse before 29 March to get involved in the current round of consultation.
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The harms resulting from the $56.1 million in losses from gaming machines in Whitehorse outweigh any perceived benefits.
Council recognises that it has a responsibility to prevent and minimise the impacts of gambling on the community in Whitehorse.
This involves assessing every application for any proposed new gaming venue or change in the number of gaming machines in an existing venue in accordance with the Whitehorse Responsible Gambling Policy 2011 ( PDF 181.73KB).
Council continues to support emergency relief and counselling agencies to provide assistance to those people affected by gambling.
What are the harms associated with gambling?
Harms associated with gambling include:
- Financial problems, bankruptcy and loss of assets;
- Productivity loss and work impacts;
- Relationship difficulties;
- Family violence;
- Emotional or psychological distress;
- Health problems;
- Criminal activity;
- Drug and alcohol abuse;
- Self-harm.
For these reasons, gambling can have major health impacts on the person gambling and those around them.
Studies have found that high-risk gambling can affect up to six others including friends, family and employers – meaning more than 17,000 Whitehorse residents could be negatively affected.
Young people (18-24 year olds) and older people (55-65 year olds) are most at risk of gambling harm. Men are also at signficantly higher risk than women.
Of all the types of gambling, electronic gaming machines remain the highest spend activity and the area where the most harm occurs.
Online and sports gambling continues to increase significantly each year. Average losses per Victorian adult for sports gambling have risen by more than 50% in the past five years.
What is the situation in Whitehorse?
The City of Whitehorse has six gaming venues and 431 electronic gaming machines (EGMs) i.e. ‘pokies’.
Venue |
Suburb |
EGMs |
Venue Type |
Expenditure 2022/2023 |
---|
Blackburn Hotel |
Blackburn |
66 |
Hotel |
$8,256,220 |
Box Hill Golf |
Box Hill |
39 |
Club |
$2,415,127 |
Box Hill RSL |
Box Hill |
103 |
Club |
$9,263,134 |
Burvale Hotel |
Nunawading |
73 |
Hotel |
$11,535,344 |
Mitcham Hotel |
Mitcham |
60 |
Hotel |
$6,463,268 |
The Chase Hotel |
Forest Hill |
90 |
Hotel |
$18,181,458 |
In 2022/23 more than $56.1 million was spent on gaming machines, equivalent to $153,738 per day. This converts to approximately $402 per adult and ranks Whitehorse 25th (of 79) relative to other Victorian Councils in terms of gambling losses.
Alliance for Gambling Reform
Whitehorse City Council supports the Alliance for Gambling Reform. The Alliance is a collaboration of organisations with a shared concern about the deeply harmful and unfair impacts of gambling and its normalisation in Australian culture. They campaign for reforms of the gambling industry that reduce the harm it causes.
Become part of the campaign and stay informed.