News

In brief - Gambling and Poker Machine Harm Management Strategy

26 April 2018

As the control of Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs, Poker Machines, ‘Pokies’) is the responsibility of the NSW Government, Department of Liquor and Gaming NSW, we have limited direct impact on their increase.

In this context, the Draft Northern Beaches Council Gambling and Poker Machine Harm Management Strategy sets out a range of actions that Council has some control and influence over to limit the harm to individuals and the community from EGMs.

Essentially the draft strategy includes the following recommendations:
  • That Council continue to lobby State and Federal Ministers to minimise EGMs and other gambling harms
  • That Local Government NSW is approached to lead research and lobbying efforts to minimise the number and associated community harms of EGMs in NSW. This should consider:
a) The NSW Government fully implement the recommendations of the 2010 Australian Government Productivity Commission Report on Gambling
b) The NSW Government fully implement the recommendations of the 2014 Upper House Select Committee Inquiry on the Impact of Gambling
c) The NSW Government provide comprehensive, venue based, monthly data on EGMs usage and losses on the Department of Liquor and Gaming NSW website, free of charge, as it is in Victoria.
  • Council considers each request for increased EGMs coming via Liquor and Gaming NSW through a Local Impact Assessment on its merits, including the potential individual and community harms it may cause.
  • Council provides community information on the harms of gambling and services available to those effected.
  • That Council continue as a key member of the Northern Beaches ClubGrants Committee, working with local Clubs to ensure fair and equitable distribution of funds to a range of community organisations.
  • Council explore the option to ban the future advertising of gambling on its buildings and properties and in any form of sponsorship. This does not include general promotions for clubs, ClubGrants and hotels, or their other services and activities.
  • Council assess the potential harms from gambling when applying or renewing leases on Council property, and where suitable implement appropriate clauses to the lease to restrict EGMs.