Losses to electronic gambling machines (EGMs) in Greater Geelong exceed $100 million annually, which is one of the highest levels in Victoria.
The Geelong/Queenscliff region is capped which means that there can be no more electronic gaming machines (EGMs) than the current allocation of 1,421 EGMs.
Most people gamble at one time or another. It may be at the TAB, on lotto, on the pokies or in a casino. It is possible that people can gamble and not experience serious harm from gambling.
However, for some people gambling can become a problem. They believe that gambling can give them a source of income that will fix their financial problems or that gambling will help them to manage their personal, relationship or work problems. Gambling can seriously affect many aspects of an individual’s life. Gambling can also affect family members, friends and carers.
Do you need help?
Free, confidential advice and assistance for problem gambling is available from your local Gamblers Help Service.
Contact Meli Gambler's Help on 03 5226 8900.
If you have concerns for a young person's gambling, the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation has information about young people and gambling that may help
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Tackling problem gambling
The City of Greater Geelong utilises the ICLEI local government public health model to tackle issues of public concern:
| Mechanism to drive action |
Definition |
| Land use and planning |
A key role of local government is to manage local growth in a coordinated, planned way that reflects the community's shared vision for the future. |
| Licensing and regulation |
Local governments can use their powers to set the local regulatory environment through assessment and approval processes, the use of surcharges and rebates, and through the enforcement of local laws. |
| Facilitation and leadership |
Local government is in close contact with community organisations, businesses, residents and othe stakeholders at the local level. This influence can be used to develop shared understandings and encourage whole-of-community responses to social sustainability. |
| Community engagement |
A city is only as vibrant as the people who inhabit it. Local governments are committed to preserving the safety, health and wellbeing of residents and visitors, and to ensuring active civic participation. |
| Workforce development |
As responsible corporate citizens, local governments can lead the way in ensuring good occupational health and safety systems including through the reduction of workplace stress risks. |
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Land use and planning
Prior to October 2006 the installation and use of gaming machines for up to 25 percent of a premise's floor space did not require a planning permit.
Responding to requests from numerous communities and local councils - which sought greater public participation in decision making relating to gaming machines, the Minister for Planning introduced changes to planning legislation in October 2006. The changes resulted in all venues requiring a planning permit for the installation of gaming machines, removing previous floor space allowances.
In light of the above, councils were encouraged to develop local policies (social and land use) on electronic gaming to help guide decision making. In a joint partnership with Surf Coast Shire, we were successful in obtaining funding from the Victorian Local Government Association to develop policies for each municipality, culminating in the adoption of the City of Greater Geelong Strategic Gaming (social) Policy in June 2006 and the adoption of City of Greater Geelong Gaming Policy Framework in October 2007.
Both documents sought to ensure that gaming machines are situated in appropriate locations (for example: a more even distribution of EGM machines) and premises, ensure the social and economic impacts of the location of gaming machines are considered, and to prohibit gaming machines in specified shopping complexes and strip shopping centres.
However, whilst these documents were useful reference documents they did not have the strength of other position statements that were specifically referred to in the Planning Scheme. Hence Council resolved on 8 April 2008 to prepare Amendment C168 to implement the Framework into the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme. The Amendment proposed to:
- insert a new gaming policy clause into the Municipal Strategic Statement
- insert a new gaming policy clause into the Local Planning Policy section and
- include the City of Greater Geelong Gaming Policy Framework 2007 as a reference document.
The Amendment has now been approved by the Minister for Planning and came into effect on the 14 October 2010. Local Planning Policy Clause 22.58 'Gaming' forms part of the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme to guide better decision making for the location of gaming machines.
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Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy
In July 2022 the City of Greater Geelong endorsed its Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy which outlines Council and the City of Greater Geelong’s approach in responding to all forms of gambling, with a focus on the wellbeing of our community and through adopting a harm minimisation framework.
The policy focuses on preventing and reducing harm by promoting alternatives to gambling, evidence-based planning and community connection. It is underpinned by a harm minimisation framework that centres on supply reduction, demand reduction and harm reduction.
The policy replaces the ‘City of Greater Geelong Electronic Gaming Machine’ which was developed in 2017 and reviewed in 2020.
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Geelong gaming data
The most recent gaming data for the City of Greater Geelong is available from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), which collects and publishes data on the number and location of EGMs as well as the community losses to EGMs.
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