The council is at odds with the state government, which suggested a voluntary gambling pre-commitment scheme,

where people can choose whether to set a limit.

The federal government wants to introduce a mandatory pre-commitment scheme nationally, as recommended by the Productivity Commission last June.

The Victorian Local Government Association has praised Whittlesea for advocating against the state government proposal.

Last month the council unanimously passed a notice of motion supporting mandatory pre-commitment for gamblers.

Whittlesea Council sustainability planning co-manager Felicity Leahy said local governments had successfully advocated on issues related to pokies in the past.

"Local governments collectively have had great influence on this matter, and this work will continue, as many local governments are seeing firsthand the impacts this has on communities and families," she said.

Ms Leahy said the opt-in scheme proposed by the Victorian government would defeat the purpose of a pre-commitment system.

"The introduction of mandatory pre-commitment is critically important to the City of Whittlesea to help reduce the incidence and impact of problem gaming," she said.

The Victorian Local Governance Association made a submission to the state government on behalf of 60 councils to show support for a mandatory system.

VLGA president Samantha Dunn said councils had an important advocacy role on the issue.

"It is completely appropriate that they speak out ... to reduce the harms associated with problem gambling," Ms Dunn said.

Darebin, Hume, Moreland and Yarra councils support the mandatory scheme.

Victorian Gaming Minister Michael O'Brien said the government's position on the scheme would not change.

"Our election commitment that individuals should not be forced by government to use this technology stands," Mr O'Brien said.