Electronic Gaming Machines Policy 2024

CLOSED: This consultation has now closed. For more information on this project please contact Council's Community Development team on 5734 6200.

While many people gamble at non-harmful levels, a significant proportion of people experience harm from gambling. Gambling is seen by some as a social and recreational activity, however there is significant evidence of harms for some individuals, families and communities. Family violence, relationship breakdown, financial hardship, health and wellbeing issues and crime are all potential impacts of engaging in gambling activities.

These harms are all preventable. Council has an important role in preventing the harm from Electronic Gaming Machines (also known as 'pokie machines') through land use planning.

Policy Summary

The draft Electronic Gaming Machines Policy 2024 (the Policy) is our commitment to preventing and minimising the harms from gambling on individuals, families and communities.

The Policy will:

  • Assist Council Officers in their assessment of planning applications for land use and development.
  • Guide Council Officers in the assessment of referrals of gaming applications from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.
  • Advocate to reduce the impacts of gambling related harms on the community.
  • Formalise Council’s position in relation to Electronic Gaming Machines on Council owned and operated/ managed land.

What changes have been made to the Policy?

  • Formalising Council's position that EGMs are not supported in existing or new venues on Council owned/operated and managed land
  • That on Council owned/operated and managed land, no new advertising or promotional signs connected to venues with EGMs are allowed.
  • In assessment of applications and referrals, Council Officers will consider indicators of resilience of the community where the EGMs are proposed
  • Strengthening the circumstances when a social and economic impact assessment and the inclusions within this that are required of the applicant.

How to get involved

Your feedback is invaluable to us. Whether it's through our online survey, a written submission, or a face-to-face discussion at one of our community pop ups, we're listening.

This is your opportunity to tell us if we have missed anything, share your thoughts on the draft policy by completing a quick survey below to tell us your thoughts.

Closing date

Feedback closes 5pm Tuesday 28 May 2024

More information

For further information please phone the Social Planning and Policy Team on 5734 6200.

What happens next?

Once the submissions close and the feedback is reviewed, the policy will be updated and will be reported back to the community once it has been adopted by council.

While many people gamble at non-harmful levels, a significant proportion of people experience harm from gambling. Gambling is seen by some as a social and recreational activity, however there is significant evidence of harms for some individuals, families and communities. Family violence, relationship breakdown, financial hardship, health and wellbeing issues and crime are all potential impacts of engaging in gambling activities.

These harms are all preventable. Council has an important role in preventing the harm from Electronic Gaming Machines (also known as 'pokie machines') through land use planning.

Policy Summary

The draft Electronic Gaming Machines Policy 2024 (the Policy) is our commitment to preventing and minimising the harms from gambling on individuals, families and communities.

The Policy will:

  • Assist Council Officers in their assessment of planning applications for land use and development.
  • Guide Council Officers in the assessment of referrals of gaming applications from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.
  • Advocate to reduce the impacts of gambling related harms on the community.
  • Formalise Council’s position in relation to Electronic Gaming Machines on Council owned and operated/ managed land.

What changes have been made to the Policy?

  • Formalising Council's position that EGMs are not supported in existing or new venues on Council owned/operated and managed land
  • That on Council owned/operated and managed land, no new advertising or promotional signs connected to venues with EGMs are allowed.
  • In assessment of applications and referrals, Council Officers will consider indicators of resilience of the community where the EGMs are proposed
  • Strengthening the circumstances when a social and economic impact assessment and the inclusions within this that are required of the applicant.

How to get involved

Your feedback is invaluable to us. Whether it's through our online survey, a written submission, or a face-to-face discussion at one of our community pop ups, we're listening.

This is your opportunity to tell us if we have missed anything, share your thoughts on the draft policy by completing a quick survey below to tell us your thoughts.

Closing date

Feedback closes 5pm Tuesday 28 May 2024

More information

For further information please phone the Social Planning and Policy Team on 5734 6200.

What happens next?

Once the submissions close and the feedback is reviewed, the policy will be updated and will be reported back to the community once it has been adopted by council.

CLOSED: This consultation has now closed. For more information on this project please contact Council's Community Development team on 5734 6200.

  • Gamblers Help and Support

    If this information has raised issues for you or you are concerned about your gambling support is available, please contact one of the services below:

  • Losses from Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs)

    • There are 224 EGMs operating over four venues in the Shire.
    • In 2022-2023, the total money lost across the Shire to gambling using EGMs was over $20.7 million. This is an average of $555 per adult.
    • One EGM is responsible for an average of $92,641 lost over one year.

  • Planning Application Processes

    A venue operator must apply to both the local authority (Council) for a planning permit and to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) for a licence to operate the EGMs. These processes are not dependent upon one another and can be undertaken concurrently, although to operate a gaming venue the venue operator requires both a planning permit and a licence.

    Council can accept or reject the planning permit based on Council’s evaluation of the application's adherence to the planning scheme For detailed information refer to Clause 52.28 Gaming and Schedule to Clause 52.28 Gaming in the Mitchell Shire Planning Scheme.

    Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003, VGCCC’s role is to:

    • Approve a premises as suitable for gaming (including the number of gaming machines permitted); and
    • Vary (by increasing) the number of gaming machines at a premises.

    The process begins when the VGCCC receives an application. The local council is then given the opportunity to make a submission to the Commission. Surrounding councils and other interested parties (businesses, community groups, individuals, etc.) may also make a submission to the Commission about the application, either through the local council or directly to the VGCCC.