The City of Casey recognises gambling harm as a major and growing public health issue, with Australians losing more to legal gambling per capita than any country in the world, resulting in significant health and wellbeing impacts. For each individual experiencing gambling harm, it is estimated that between seven to ten people are adversely impacted, most commonly family, friends and employers.

In 2023/24, $158 million was lost to electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in Casey, translating to $544 lost annually per Casey adult. This figure doesn’t include losses from other types of gambling such as online sports betting, casinos, or lottery tickets.

Council recognises that reform is needed at all levels of government to reduce the impacts of gambling harm. Along with stronger regulation of EGMs, there are growing concerns around harm from online gambling.

Council asks the State Government to:

• Encompass areas (established/growth) in Casey’s regional EGM cap which were not previously included.
• Limit transfer or introduction of EGMs in disadvantaged areas or areas of unknown disadvantage.
• Provide greater transparency of the State Government Community Support Fund at a municipal level.
• The Victorian Gambling Casino Control Commission to provide greater oversight and regulation of EGM venue community contributions.

Council ask the Federal Government to:

• Implementation of a national strategy that will establish greater regulation of online gambling and associated advertising as recommended through the ‘You win some, you lose more’ report.
• A comprehensive ban on all forms of online gambling advertising.