It should be an offence for poker machine venue operators not to interact with people showing signs of problem gambling, Brimbank council has stated in a submission to the state government.
The council wants a separate offence to be created along similar lines to those governing the serving of alcohol to people who are intoxicated.
The Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 made it an offence for a licensee to supply liquor to a person in a state of intoxication. Those caught contravening the law can be issued on-the-spot fines of about $18,600.
“It has been clearly established that problem gambling does not only harm the gambler, but that it can and often does harm others in the community, such as family, friends and colleagues,” the council submission stated in response to the state government’s review of the protection measures around electronic gaming machines (EGMs).
Brimbank has 15 licensed gaming venues that operate 946 poker machines between them, and the municipality is the state’s leading loser on poker machines for a ninth consecutive year.
In the 2015-16 financial year, Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation data shows $143 million was lost on Brimbank pokies, well clear of its nearest rival, Casey, which lost $124.8 million.
In its submission, the council also called for loyalty schemes for gambling activity to be made illegal, and a review of regional caps and municipal limits.
In August last year, outgoing administrator John Watson said it was a “great shame” he was leaving his post in October with Brimbank’s thirst for pokies still unabated.
“It’s a spiralling problem,” he said.
Mr Watson said councils are powerless to solve the issue.
New mayor John Hedditch echoed his concerns and called for “rapid changes” to state government regulations.
“This report will help somewhat, but it won’t do a lot,” Cr Hedditch said last week.
“A lot more is needed to put in place [tighter] regulatory procedures.
“We need to stop the harm happening. We, as a council, are mopping up the mess.”
The council’s submission has been handed to the state government’s Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing.
