Poker machine numbers across Brimbank could be cut under a new council plan to reduce the harm caused by problem gambling.
The council tabled its draft electronic gambling policy at last week’s meeting which also calls for no more poker machines to be installed at sports clubs operating on council-owned land.
The draft policy includes plans to:
• Advocate for a decrease in the number of poker machines across the city;
• Prevent existing sports clubs with gaming licences from operating more poker machines on council-owned land, and prohibit other sports clubs from operating poker machines on council-owned land;
• Prohibit access to online gambling at all internet access points provided, supported or sponsored by the council;
• Limit the hours of operation for poker machine venues through planning permit conditions; and
• Ensure the location of gaming venues limits opportunities for ‘convenience gambling’.
Brimbank gamblers poured $138.5 million – or $896 per adult – into the city’s gaming machines in the 2013-14 financial year and suffered the highest player losses in the state.
The city is also ranked second-highest for poker machine spending per adult.
Brimbank administrators chairman John Watson said the council was concerned about problem gambling in the city, especially that caused by poker machines, and wanted to make it harder for problem gamblers to come across gaming venues.
“These high losses are of great concern,” Mr Watson said.
“Council is committed to minimising the harms associated with gambling experienced by individuals, families and the broader community.”
The four-year draft plan follows on from the council’s existing policy and is in line with new poker machine licensing arrangements introduced in 2012.
The draft plan is out for consultation until November 17 and can be viewed on the council website or at the Sunshine and Keilor municipal offices.
