Gambling/betting is when a player risks losing something of value (usually money) for the chance of winning more.

The outcome may depend on correctly predicting an uncertain outcome (such as a particular horse coming first in a race), or luck (such as a winning combination of symbols on a poker machine).

Gambling harm is any negative consequence experienced by a person, their friends, families or networks as a result of their gambling.

Gambling-related harm may look like:

• Late payments on bills (e.g. utilities, rates)

• Reduced performance at work or study (i.e. due to tiredness or distraction)

• Loss of sleep due to stress or worry about gambling or gambling-related problems

• Stress related health problems (e.g. high blood pressure, headaches)

• Increased experience of depression

• Feelings of hopelessness about gambling

• Feeling angry about not being able to control gambling behaviours

• Getting less enjoyment from time spent with people you care about

• Threat of separation or ending a relationship/s

Local councils have a legal responsibility to help prevent gambling harm in their communities.

They do this by:

• Making decisions that benefit the community long-term, as required by the Local Government Act.
• Considering the social and economic impacts of electronic gaming machines ("pokies") when making planning decisions, under the Planning and Environment Act (Clause 52.28).
• To apply the 'precautionary principle’ under by the Public Health and Wellbeing Act, which means acting early in preventing and controlling public health risk (of which gambling harm is).

Councils also play a practical role by supporting community education, offering alternatives to gambling, and including gambling harm prevention in local health and wellbeing plans.

• Gambling harm is acknowledged within City of Ballarat's Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-31 as a relevant health priority area, in which we commit to “Utilising available planning and regulatory controls and promoting programs and information to support people at risk of harmful gambling”.
• A Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy was adopted by Council in 2022 and outlines the City of Ballarat’s position and responsibilities relating to gambling harm. You can read more about this here.
• Advocacy: City of Ballarat has committed to advocating for stronger measures regarding the systems and laws that control gambling in Victoria. We have advocated directly to MPs to urge the government to implement 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 previous Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy was adopted by Council in 2022 and is due for review after four years.

Updating the policy ensures it remains current, evidence‑based and responsive to changes in the gambling landscape, emerging research on gambling harm, and community expectations.

The update also reflects feedback from the Ballarat community and aligns the policy with Council’s current strategic priorities and areas of responsibility.

The purpose of this policy is to clearly set out the City of Ballarat’s role and approach to reducing gambling‑related harm in our community. It explains what Council is responsible for, what it is committed to, and how it will take action.

The policy will also guide Council when providing feedback to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) on applications for new gaming licences or changes to existing licences, and when assessing planning applications under the relevant parts of the Ballarat Planning Scheme.

This policy does not address broader gambling issues that sit outside Council’s authority, influence or advocacy role