URGENT UPDATE: Hume Council has just announced a significant overhaul of its Gambling Harm Policy, aiming to combat escalating gambling losses in the region. During a meeting on November 24, council members endorsed a draft policy that introduces strict, enforceable measures, departing from the advisory language of the previous 2019 policy.
The new draft is a direct response to alarming statistics showing Hume residents lost a staggering $147.9 million to Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) in the 2024/25 period alone, marking the highest loss on record. With Hume currently ranked third in EGM expenditure across Victoria, the urgency for action has never been greater.
Cr. Karen Shery highlighted that the updated policy includes “clear binding and enforceable clauses,” which were absent in the past. Key measures involve stricter regulations for venues on council-owned land, such as mandatory community value statements and full market rent payments for venues housing EGMs. The draft also enforces prohibitions on gambling advertising within council facilities and establishes clearer guidelines for events and partnerships involving gambling venues.
Cr. Naim Kurt raised concerns regarding the adequacy of the policy, voting against its current form. He emphasized the need for a revenue-sharing model to reinvest gambling profits back into local sports clubs, especially given the disproportionate losses across Hume. “Between 2008 and 2025, the five venues operating EGMs accounted for $331 million in losses to our community,” he stated. This figure represents an alarming 18 percent of the total $1.8 billion lost across the municipality during that period.
The hardest-hit areas include the southern suburbs, particularly Gladstone Park, which alone recorded losses of $89.3 million. In contrast, northern suburbs like Craigieburn and west areas such as Sunbury saw losses of $34.7 million and $23.9 million, respectively.
Residents are encouraged to share their opinions on the draft policy, which remains open for public feedback until February 15, 2024. This is a critical opportunity for the community to influence the direction of gambling regulation in Hume. For more information, visit the Hume Council participation page: participate.hume.vic.gov.au/gambling-in-hume.
As developments unfold, the council’s commitment to minimizing gambling harm signals a pivotal moment for Hume, potentially reshaping the landscape of gambling regulation in the region. Community members and stakeholders are urged to stay engaged as this policy progresses.
