Council’s Gambling Policy describes several important activities which are designed to reduce gambling harm in our community:
Monitoring Gambling Trends and Impacts
- Monitoring the scale and impact of gaming in our community, reporting this information to Councillors and residents, sharing it with local government partners, and using it to guide efforts to advocate for reform.
Informing Residents about Gambling Harm and Sources of Help
- Informing residents about the harmful consequences of gambling and informing them of advice or support for people experiencing gambling problems. Council also devotes considerable effort to the promotion of alternate sources of recreation and social fulfillment.
A Balanced Relationship with the Gambling Industry
- Council maintains a relationship with the gambling industry that sets a distance between its functions and the activities of the gambling industry. Council’s policy stipulates that it may not accept funds from the gambling industry, discourages Council-supported clubs from doing likewise, and prohibits gambling advertising at Council-owned venues (expect any functioning as a gambling venue). Council also prompts staff to conduct activities in non-gambling venues where possible.
Responding to Gambling Applications
- Council responds to applications for new gambling venues, or increased numbers of EGMs at existing venues, with consideration of the merits of each application, and any the harm that additional EGMs may inflict upon residents.
Advocacy
- Advocacy is a fifth important part of Council’s Gambling Policy and is an essential part of Council’s work to reduce gambling harm in our community. This topic forms the subject of the next section.
Reports
