Responsible gambling

Gaming in Moreland

In June 2011, in the City of Moreland:

Total Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) or ‘pokie’ losses of over $69 million in 2010-2011.
765 EGMs accommodated in 15 venues (8 hotels and 7 clubs).
EGM density of 6.36 EGMs per 1,000 adults. This is higher than the State average of 6.19.
Annual EGM expenditure of $577 per adult. This is lower than the State average of $613 per adult.

Council and responsible gambling

‘Playing the pokies’ is an enjoyable and legitimate recreational activity for some residents, but Council understands that problem gambling has a devastating effect on individuals and families throughout Moreland.

Council is fully committed to responsible gambling in our municipality’s gaming venues through working in partnership with venues, service providers, the community and all levels of government.

Council’s policy position on gaming in Moreland is one of primary prevention and harm minimisation.

Moreland Responsible Gaming Strategy 2010-2014

Moreland was the first Local Government in Victoria to develop a Responsible Gambling Strategy in 1998. The most recent strategy was launched in November 2010 and focuses solely on EGMs – Responsible Gaming Strategy 2010-14 (PDF 600Kb)

With this strategy, Council commits to increased research, enhanced planning control, improved advocacy and partnership and community awareness and education.

Actions from the Responsible Gaming Action Plan 2010-11 (PDF 206Kb) are underway.

Council Actions on Responsible Gambling:

Local Impacts of Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) Gambling Research Project

In 2010, Council commissioned research to identify participation in gambling, motivations to gamble and local impacts of EGM (poker machine) gambling on the Moreland community. This research project is the first of its kind undertaken at a local government level in Victoria, made possible through revenue raised by the differential rate on gaming venues.

The Local Impacts of EGM Gambling Research Report (PDF 1Mb) can be downloaded.

Proposed future applications of the research findings include:

Responsible Gambling Social Marketing Strategy;
Enhancement of planning control around gaming in Moreland;
Alternative Entertainment promotion; and
A resource for social impact assessments.

Social Marketing Strategy

Council commissioned a Social Marketing Strategy in 2011 to identify key messages and target markets for promoting responsible gambling and primary prevention messages. This Strategy was developed from the findings of the Local Impacts Research.

In 2012, Council will begin to implement the Social Marketing Campaign around gambling.

MoreConnect

MoreConnect is an innovative social connection program for former problem gamblers. The 9 month program builds social confidence and introduces problem gamblers to low and no-cost alternative entertainment and recreation activities in the City of Moreland. The program aims to reduce the risk of relapse by refinding joy in life after gambling.

For more information about MoreConnect, contact Gabriela Byrne on 0408 707 871.

Social Impacts of Pokies.org.au

Social Impacts of Pokies is an online evidence base and data book to aid local government staff, applicants and community members to build their own social and economic impact assessments for gaming applications. For every gaming application, Council, as the statutory authority, must assess the social and economic impacts the pokies will have on the local community. This tool provides indicators to assess social impacts and an evidence base to support those indicators.

The resource has been produced by the Inner Northern Working Group on Gambling (INWGG) and convened by Moreland City Council. The INWGG includes representatives from six local governments of Darebin, Hume, Melbourne, Moreland, Whittlesea and Yarra, the North East Primary Care Partnership and the Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre.

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