Gambling

Gambling photo

Council is concerned about the impact gambling has on the most vulnerable members of our community.

We have a history of leadership in the prevention of harm from gambling. Our prevention initiatives 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.

Monash Council’s Public Health Approach to Gambling Harm Policy expresses Council’s position through policy, leadership, advocacy and community action. The policy outlines our commitment to minimising the harm from gambling in the local community.

The key emphasis is placed on reducing the economic, social and health harms associated with Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs) and other forms of gambling in Monash.

Read: Monash Council’s Public Health Approach to Gambling Harm Policy(PDF, 2MB)

At their meeting on 31 January 2023, Councillors also resolved to provide in-kind support to sporting clubs and community groups to support the implementation of the Policy. Read the associated report to Council for more information.

In the October 2023 Monash Bulletin, we published an article referencing $112.5 million as the amount taken by EGMs in Monash over the last financial year. This figure was not correct and is actually higher with $122.5 million taken in the past financial year. Read more here.

If you have any questions about the policy or to request a plain text version, please contact Alyssa Huxtable, Health Promotion Officer Alyssa.huxtable@monash.vic.gov.au or call 9518 3046. 

Do you require help or support?

If you are concerned about gambling for yourself or someone you know, read more below or call 1800 858 858 or for an instant online response, go to www.gamblershelp.com.au

Gambler's Help is a free service for people who are affected by gambling, including friends, family and affected others. The services provided by Gambler's Help include:

  • Professional, confidential counselling for people who have been impacted by gambling
  • Counselling for the family and friends of people who have been impacted by gambling
  • Financial counselling can help by providing information, options and practical assistance to minimise the financial impacts from gambling
  • Community education to improve community awareness and knowledge about gambling, the potential risks and how to recognise risky gambling behaviour

Anybody impacted by gambling (your own gambling or someone else's), can call the Helpline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 858 858. This service can give you the contact details for your nearest Gambler's Help service or, if you prefer, a service away from where you live. Calls to the Helpline are free from landlines and won't be listed on your phone bill (though may be listed on mobile bills).

Monash Council recognises that there is an established link between gambling and family violence.

To get help for family violence, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). Confidential information, counselling and support is available 24 hours 7 days a week. Online chat is also available: www.1800respect.org.au/ Call 000 in an emergency or if you are in danger.  

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