Gambling

Help is available

If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know contact:

Gambler's Help
Phone 1800 858 858 - free, confidential, 24/7
Online support
Youthline on 1800 262 376

Reducing the harmful impact of gambling

Gambling Harm Awareness Week 19 - 25 October

Gambling Harm Awareness Week is hosted by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation and will run from 19–25 October 2020.

The theme is TALK.SHARE.SUPPORT:

• talk about the effect gambling is having on health and wellbeing
• share stories how to connect with others, enhance mental health and resilience
• seek support or support someone experiencing gambling harm.

Due to COVID-19 the Foundation will run a digitally-focused Gambling Harm Awareness Week this year.  A downloadable supporter toolkit for stakeholders will be available on their website here.

Gambling in Merri-bek Strategy 2015-2020

Gambling in Merri-bek 2015-2020 is Council’s Strategy to reduce the harmful impact of gambling on Merri-bek residents. Electronic gaming machines/ pokies have been identified as source of greatest harm for communities and individuals based on the level of gambling losses in the municipality and proportion of people with problem gambling behaviours who play pokies. 

• Gambling in Merri-bek 2015-20  (PDF 5Mb)
• Gambling in Merri-bek 2015-20  (DOC 4Mb)

National Alliance for Gambling Reform

As a foundation partner of the national Alliance for Gambling Reform, Merri-bek Council calls for stronger industry controls to protect consumers and reduce the damage that gambling products can bring to families and communities.

Current Campaigns

• Build Back Better After COVID
• Champions for Change

• Let's End Gambling Ads

Recent Campaigns

• Pokies Play You