Gambling harm is a complex and significant public health issue affecting individuals, families and the broader community. Councils have a responsibility under the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, to protect, improve and promote health and wellbeing.
Gambling
An activity whereby a prize of money or something else of value is offered or can be won, a person pays or stakes money or some other valuable consideration to participate; and the outcome involves, or is presented as involving, an element of chance.
Gambling Harm
Any negative consequence experienced by an individual or members of their social network as a result of participation in gambling. This can be experienced on a spectrum, ranging from minor negative experiences to crises, and is not always proportionate to the amount of gambling participation.
Harm minimisation is an evidence-based framework which responds to gambling and gambling harm in the community through prioritising health and wellbeing. It views gambling harm as a public health issue and is widely regarded across the world as the best way to address gambling harm. The focus is on preventing and reducing harm by promoting alternatives to gambling, evidence-based planning and consideration of the social determinants of health such as community connection.
A harm minimisation approach is reflected in Council’s vision for creating Safe, Resilient and Proud Communities. The Council Plan 2025-2029 Pillars of Community, Liveability, Prosperity and Leadership are all linked to harm minimisation. The Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing priority area to which harm minimisation most closely aligns is Improving wellbeing.
Gambling Harm Statistics
References
Victorian population gambling and health study 2023
Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Community Attitudes towards Gambling in Victoria 2023
Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy
Golden Plains Shire Council's has adopted a Gambling Harm Minimisation policy.
The Policy outlines:
- Council’s position of gambling and gambling harm minimisation.
- The actions Council takes to minimise gambling harm within the municipality.
- Roles and responsibilities for Council in preventing harm from gambling within the municipality.
- The associated legislation, policy and plans related to gambling and gambling harm.
Read the Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy here.
What’s On
Gambling Harm Awareness Week
Council will be running a series of events during Gambling Harm Awareness Week. Information on these events will be available here and on our events calendar.
Events Include:
Wise Up! Live Smart, Stay Safe & Age Strong
Gambling Harm Awareness Week Performance
Be Ahead of the Game - Parent & Carer Sessions
Education
If you would like to organise an education session for your sports club or community group, please contact Council’s Community Development team via email at [email protected].
Help and Support for Gambling
Gambling is a sensitive topic for many people. If you or someone you know is seeking additional support regarding gambling, please contact one of the services listed below:
| Service | Description | Contact |
| Child and Family Services Ballarat (CAFs) | Provision of Gamblers Help services in Ballarat and Golden Plains Shire | Address: 115 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Phone: (03) 5337 3333 Website: cafs.org.au/gamblers-help/ |
| Gamblers Help Youthline | Provision of Gamblers Help services for young people | Phone: 1800 262 376 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Support group for people with a gambling problem. | Phone: (03) 9696 6108 Website: gaaustralia.org.au |
| National Debt Helpline | Support for debt and speak to a financial counsellor. | National Debt Helpline - Phone: 1800 007 007 Website: ndh.org.au/about-national-debt-helpline |
| QLife | Anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia | Phone: 1800 184 527 Website: qlife.org.au/ (webchat available). |
Resources
