Report by Steve Hart
Hume City Council has released its draft Gambling Harm Policy 2026–2030, outlining a significant expansion of its approach to minimising gambling-related harm and opening the document for public feedback.
In the 2023/24 financial year communities across Hume lost $138m to pokie operators. In the same 2024/25 period the figure rose to $148m according to council figures.
In Sunbury there are 230 pokie slot machines with punters losing almost $24m in the 12 months to 30 June. Twenty-four million dollars sucked out of Sunbury in a year, that’s almost $500,000 every week, or $72,000-a-day.
Unsurprisingly, council’s draft policy notes that gambling can lead to financial stress, mental health issues, family violence, and homelessness, with the impacts extending across families and neighbourhoods.
The slot machines remain the most damaging form of gambling in Hume according to council, particularly in disadvantaged areas. But also has concerns about online gambling.
Its proposed policy sets out a broad public-health framework for council decisions, land use, partnerships and advocacy. It aims to ensure a consistent approach across council departments and aligns with existing policies such as the Hume Planning Scheme and Council’s Social Justice Charter.
Under the plan, council would expand its role in community education, advocacy and regulation. This includes promoting non-gambling social activities, partnering with support services, monitoring local gambling trends, and pushing for increased support for residents in growth areas.
Council also proposes stronger measures regarding pokie venues. These include opposing new or increased machine numbers, conducting detailed social and economic impact assessments for each application, monitoring compliance with community benefit commitments, and maintaining independence from the gambling industry.
It will continue to advocate for statewide reforms such as mandatory pre-commitment, reduced gaming room hours, and a $1 maximum spin limit.
But its draft policy confirms council will avoid hosting community events in EGM venues, block gambling sites on council WiFi, and prohibit gambling-related advertising or sponsorships at council facilities.
Residents are encouraged to review the draft policy and provide feedback. Consultation closes on Sunday 15 February 2026. Click here to provide feedback.
Below: The 2024/25 poke machine losses and the number of machines across Hume. Data and graphic / Hume City Council.
