The City of Joondalup in Western Australia has implemented a new policy that formally bans all gambling activities across its owned and managed properties.
The decision, which received unanimous support from city councillors at a recent meeting, is aimed at reducing gambling-related harm within the community.
The new policy was prompted by a recent application from one of the tenants of Joondalup city to install a wagering outlet, such as a club TAB, at a community venue.
This led to the creation of a formal position that prohibits any organized wagering activities within city facilities, which include libraries, community halls, and sporting clubrooms.
The move comes amid rising national concern over gambling losses in Australia, with data from the Australian Gambling Research Centre showing that 73% of adults participated in some form of gambling in 2022.
However, the policy is designed to strike a balance, making specific exceptions for low-scale community and fundraising events. Activities such as bingo nights, social poker events, and charity lotteries or raffles are still permitted under the new guidelines.
The city stated that the rule is aimed at organized betting operations rather than these traditional forms of community entertainment and engagement.
City officials noted that the policy was developed in recognition of the fact that gambling-related harm extends beyond individuals to affect families and the wider community.
Councillor Daniel Kingston, who introduced the motion, clarified the intent of the new rule.
It’s not going to affect community groups having small amusement prizes, bingos and senior citizens nights and things like that. This is about making sure we keep out things like club TABs and the more organised forms of gambling that are themselves wagering activities.
The new policy in Joondalup reflects a growing trend of local governments taking proactive steps to mitigate the social costs associated with gambling while still supporting the valuable fundraising efforts of community organizations.
