LOCAL gambling venues won’t be hit with higher rates, with Moorabool Shire choosing not to include an increase in its draft budget.
In April, the council said higher rates for venues with pokies could be considered as part of its annual budget process.
But in a statement last week, council chief executive Rob Croxford said its rating policy did not provide for a separate differential for gambling venues.
“The draft budget, including the rate rise and differential proposed, is available for community input,” he said.
“Officers have not presented any reports to council in recent times on gambling venues and rating levels.”
Wyndham Council will apply different rates to venues, with pokie machines as part of a two-year responsible gaming strategy, while Moreland Council introduced higher rates for 11 gaming venues in 2010, using the money to help problem gamblers.
People in disadvantaged areas across the west are at a greater risk of developing gambling habits, Swinburne University gambling research fellow Anna Thomas says. “Some of the reasons people might gamble is to escape from their problems, and for people in areas like these with social disadvantage, it might be about the elusive dream of winning and getting out of the problems you’re in.”
A UnitingCare study shows punters in the inner west are feeling the pinch of pokies losses more than anywhere else in Victoria, spending up to a quarter [for inner west] or up to 12per cent [for outer west] of their median income.
Problem gambling in Moorabool is a daunting issue, according to Child and Family Services (CAFS) chief executive Paul Huggett.
The problem is so big the centre has exhausted the emergency relief fund it uses to help families. “We’re in a situation where we are unable to provide that program again until July 1,” Mr Huggett said.
“While there is often scepticism about the anecdotes that float about, we can measure the problem by the demand on our emergency relief program.”
CAFS offers confidential support for families and individuals affected by gambling.
More details: 53679900
