Help shape our Gambling Policy

Consultation has concluded

Feedback closed on 29 March 2024.

Thank you to everyone that provided feedback. Between the survey and pop-ups we received a total of 156 submissions.

Key priorities identified by the community for consideration in the revised policy were:

  1. Council not promoting or providing funding to the gambling industry.
  2. Collaborating with sporting clubs and gaming venues to reduce their reliance on funding or support from the gambling industry.
  3. Council not hosting community activities, events, programs, or social outings in venues with pokies.
  4. Restricting gambling and the promotion of gambling on Council-owned land.
  5. Community education and awareness-raising initiatives.

We’re reviewing our gambling policy to update it based on the latest research and evidence – and we need your help.

Our updated policy will consider the health, social and economic impacts of gambling within our local community.

We invite you to participate in this project to ensure Council’s position on gambling reflects community needs and expectations.

Background information

This engagement project aims to explore community attitudes toward the role Council should have in relation to gambling in Whitehorse.

At the state level, gambling is regulated by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission. The commission is an independent statutory body responsible for the licensing of the gambling industry. Gambling advertising is regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

At the local level, Council may influence the outcome of permit applications for pokie venues. We must assess each planning permit application considering its effects on the overall enjoyment and effective operation of the surrounding area.

Additionally, Council may be able to influence the social, health and economic effects of gambling through advocacy and education programs.

The new policy may address:

  • Other forms of gambling, including sports and online betting.
  • How much advertising and promotion for gambling products should be permitted within Council-owned venues, and on Council-owned land.
  • Whether Council should host events in venues where gambling happens.
  • If Council should support and fund community groups that also receive funding from the gambling industry.

Learn more:

Feedback closed on 29 March 2024.

Thank you to everyone that provided feedback. Between the survey and pop-ups we received a total of 156 submissions.

Key priorities identified by the community for consideration in the revised policy were:

  1. Council not promoting or providing funding to the gambling industry.
  2. Collaborating with sporting clubs and gaming venues to reduce their reliance on funding or support from the gambling industry.
  3. Council not hosting community activities, events, programs, or social outings in venues with pokies.
  4. Restricting gambling and the promotion of gambling on Council-owned land.
  5. Community education and awareness-raising initiatives.

We’re reviewing our gambling policy to update it based on the latest research and evidence – and we need your help.

Our updated policy will consider the health, social and economic impacts of gambling within our local community.

We invite you to participate in this project to ensure Council’s position on gambling reflects community needs and expectations.

Background information

This engagement project aims to explore community attitudes toward the role Council should have in relation to gambling in Whitehorse.

At the state level, gambling is regulated by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission. The commission is an independent statutory body responsible for the licensing of the gambling industry. Gambling advertising is regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

At the local level, Council may influence the outcome of permit applications for pokie venues. We must assess each planning permit application considering its effects on the overall enjoyment and effective operation of the surrounding area.

Additionally, Council may be able to influence the social, health and economic effects of gambling through advocacy and education programs.

The new policy may address:

  • Other forms of gambling, including sports and online betting.
  • How much advertising and promotion for gambling products should be permitted within Council-owned venues, and on Council-owned land.
  • Whether Council should host events in venues where gambling happens.
  • If Council should support and fund community groups that also receive funding from the gambling industry.

Learn more: