In 2008 Bass Coast had the 8th highest expenditure on 'pokies' in rural Victoria.

With 30.7 % of our residents earning $500 or less per week, it is difficult to understand how many people playing electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are really able to afford to do so and what is being sacrificed to support their habit.

When analysing the data of local EGM expenditure, it is disconcerting to note that the annual expenditure is actually increasing. From 1992 to 2008 the staggering amount of $195,248,650.23 was lost from the community through EGMs.

We want our community to have access to a wide range of recreational opportunities and recognise that electronic gaming is a legitimate form of recreation but not at the expense of the prosperity of our Shire. Council has a responsibility to advocate on behalf of the community to ensure that it is socially and economically prosperous. The Bass Coast Shire Responsible Gaming Policy was adopted by Council on Wednesday 19 November 2008 and it explains Council’s role and responsibility regarding EGMs.

Council looks forward to collaborating with other levels of government, the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation, the licensees, the local venue operators and Gambler’s Help services as well as the community to promote and encourage responsible gaming.

For more information on Council's Responsible Gaming Policy, please contact our Social Planner on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).