Gambling harm in Hume

Gambling-related harm is a significant public health issue that affects individuals, families, and the broader community.

In 2024/25, Hume residents lost $147.9 million to electronic gaming machines (EGMs)—the highest annual loss on record and the third highest in Victoria.

The map below shows the 2024/25 EGM losses and the number of EGMs across Hume.

In 2023, Council undertook a series of activities and consultations aimed at understanding how gambling is impacting our community. These included:

• Conducting a Community Gambling Attitudinal Survey
• Facilitating a Service Provider workshop on gambling harm in Hume
• Hosting Council’s inaugural Gambling Harm Symposium
• Submissions to various state government consultations and inquiries on gambling matters.

We heard from 752 community members who filled out the survey.

We found out that males are more likely to gamble than females and that buying a lotto ticket is the most common form of gambling followed by playing electronic gambling machines.

Take a look below at the key findings from the survey. You can also read the summary about what we heard.

Council invited service providers to a workshop in June 2023. We heard about the types of gambling they are seeing and the harms and impacts that their clients are experiencing.

Take a look below at the key findings from the workshop. You can also read the summary about what we heard.

The feedback we received during the 2023 consultation process has been instrumental in shaping our approach to addressing gambling harm in Hume. We have now drafted a new Gambling Harm Policy, resulting in several proposed new clauses including:

• Council will avoid hosting community activities, events, programs, or social outings in places that have EGMs or gambling, unless there is no other option.
• Council will make sure the Hume Annual Community Grants program does not give money to activities, programs, or events held in places with EGMs or gambling.
• Council will not support new or additional gambling-related advertising at Council-owned or managed facilities.
• Council will help community groups, clubs, and organisations that want to stop taking sponsorships, grants, or free support from venues with EGMs by giving advice and finding other options.

This consultation closes on Sunday 15 February 2026. You can provide feedback by:

filling out the form below

emailing your feedback to the Social Planning and Healthy Communities Team

phoning us on 9205 2200.

posting to Hume City Council, PO Box 119, Dallas Vic 3047