About the policy
Knox City Council is committed to preventing and minimising the health, social and economic harms associated with all forms of gambling in our community.
In February 2025, Council adopted the Knox Gambling Harm Prevention Policy, replacing the previous Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) Policy. The new Policy takes a broader public health approach and recognises that gambling harm extends beyond poker machines to include online betting, sports wagering and other forms of gambling.
View the Gambling Harm Prevention Policy
Why this policy matters
Gambling can impact anyone in our community, and you don’t need to be the one that gambles. What the research shows is that gambling issues disproportionately affect lower-income and vulnerable groups and for every problem gambler in our community, there are 6 people impacted.
In Knox:
- In 2024-2025, residents lost approximately $79 million on electronic gaming machines (EGMs). This is an average of $217,000 per day.
- Knox residents experience higher EGM losses per adult than the metropolitan Melbourne average.
- Gambling harm affects not only individuals, but also families, children, workplaces and the broader community.
Harm from gambling can include:
- Financial stress and debt
- Mental health impacts
- Relationship breakdown
- Family violence
- Social isolation
- Reduced community wellbeing
Council recognises that gambling-related harm is not evenly distributed. Certain groups in the community are more vulnerable to harm, including young people, older adults, women, men, First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ communities and people on low incomes.
Our approach
The Knox Gambling Harm Prevention Policy is guided by four key principles:
Public health approach
We recognise gambling harm as a population-level health issue and consider the broader social, economic and environmental factors that influence harm.
Evidence-informed
We use local and state data to understand the impact of gambling in Knox and guide our decision-making.
Partnerships
We work collaboratively with community organisations, neighbouring councils, peak bodies and support services.
Intersectionality
We acknowledge that gambling harm affects people differently and that prevention responses must reflect the diverse and overlapping needs of our community.
Council's four priority areas
Council’s actions focus on where we can have the greatest influence in preventing and reducing harm.
- Planning and Regulation
- Building Community Capacity
- Leadership
- Advocacy
Support services
If you or someone you know is experiencing gambling harm, free and confidential support is available:
Gambler’s Help
1800 858 858
www.gamblershelp.com.au
If gambling is contributing to family violence or safety concerns, please contact:
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
1800 015 188
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Need help?
Contact us and we will come back to you.
Or call our Customer Service team on 9298 8000.
