Gambling Harm in Ballarat

Gambling is the act of betting or risking money (or something valuable) on an event with an uncertain outcome, with the aim of winning more money, or a prize. Unfortunately, gambling can have negative impacts on individuals, their family and friends, and the wider community.

Gambling-related harm may include: financial loss; relationship breakdown; family violence; anxiety and depression; emotional or psychological distress; issues with work or study; criminal activity; reduced health and wellbeing; and suicide.  

Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) caps are legal limits on how many gaming machine entitlements are available for gaming within specific geographic areas of Victoria. The Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation sets the maximum number of entitlements available in each capped region and municipal district. The Minister may refer this power to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).

City of Ballarat’s position, commitment, responsibilities and approach to minimising gambling-related harm in:

• Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy
• Minimising Gambling Harm Position Statement

City of Ballarat has committed to advocating for stronger measures regarding the systems and laws that control gambling in Victoria.

Gambling Advertising

The City of Ballarat has advocated directly to government to support the implementation of the recommendations of the 2023 Report 'You win some, you lose more', including the implementation of a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising for online gambling.

The report provides 31 recommendations that apply a public health lens to online gambling to reduce harm to Australians. This includes the Australian Government developing and implementing a comprehensive national strategy on online gambling harm reduction, supported by national regulation, an online gambling ombudsman, a harm reduction levy on online wagering service providers (WSPs), a public education campaign, more independent research and improved data collection.

View the report, 'You win some, you lose more', and the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs complete list of recommendations can be accessed via the inquiry website.

What can you do?

• Read the report, You win some, you lose more and its recommendations
• Sign the Alliance for Gambling Reform’s petition fighting to #ENDGAMBLINGADS

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:   

• cafs (Child and Family Services Ballarat)- providers of Gambler’s Help services in Ballarat.  
  Address: 115 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat 
  Phone: (03) 5337 3333
  Website: cafs.org.au/gamblers-help/  

• Gambler’s Help - free and confidential advice, including therapeutic and financial counselling. 24/7 service.
  Phone: 1800 858 858
  Website: gamblershelp.com.au    

• Gambler’s Help Youthline
  Phone: 1800 262 376 

• Lifeline - Lifeline provides free professional and confidential telephone counselling, support and information services.
  Phone: 13 11 14

• 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.
  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: https://qlife.org.au/ (webchat available).

cafs in Ballarat deliver activities aimed at addressing the prevention of gambling harm, including the take-up of Gambler’s Help services, at the local level. This can include attending community events and providing education to workplaces, community groups, schools and other organisations.

For information and enquiries relating to community-based work in Ballarat, visit the cafs Gambler's Help page or contact Linda Borner at cafs - via email: linda.borner@cafs.org.au

Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs), also known as poker machines, result in a significant source of financial loss and harm in Ballarat. It is also the form of gambling over which Council has the greatest influence.

Data:

• In 2023/24 financial year, $65.5 million was lost in Ballarat to EGMs.  
• In 2022/23 $64.4 million was lost in Ballarat to EGMs, and an estimated additional $93.4 million to other forms of legal gambling, totalling in a loss of $157.8 million in 2022/23 to all forms of legal gambling across Ballarat.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission publishes Monthly LGA EGM Statistics which shows the total amount lost by players.

The City of Ballarat Gaming Machine Assessment Factsheet outlines the roles that Council and Community can play in assessing applications for new or expanded gaming venues.

Sports and internet gambling are rapidly growing, and are easy-to-access forms of gambling. Betting on sport is one of the highest risk gambling activities. Most sports betting is conducted online, with 86% of Victorians who participated in 2023 using betting sites.

Read more about recent Victorian sports gambling trends in the Victorian population gambling and health study 2023 report

City of Ballarat is increasingly concerned about the advertising and normalisation of sports betting and online gambling, including the community risks and harms resulting from this. Read more about our advocacy in this space below.