By Molly Magennis
Residents in Maribyrnong lost over $5 million in January alone on pokie machines, as usage continues to ramp up following eased COVID restrictions.
Data from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission revealed that during October 2021, when COVID restrictions were still largely present, residents lost around half a million dollars on electronic gaming machines (EGMS).
However this figure spiked in December, jumping to $6 million as COVID cases remained fairly stagnant, and Victorians were allowed more freedoms.
Alliance for Gambling Reform Chief Advocate Tim Costello said over the course of the whole month of December, Victorians lost $250 million to poker machines.
“This is by far the most money lost to poker machines in a single month ever, a record that should never have been broken,” he said.
This huge loss comes as Maribyrnong Council continues to push for community feedback on its draft Reducing Harm from Gambling Policy, which seeks to address increasingly recognised harmful impacts from gambling.
According to a media release put out by the council, there are currently 471 electronic gaming machines across nine venues in Maribyrnong, with Maidstone and Braybrook being the biggest losers in the municipality due to their low socioeconomic status.
Mr Costello said many of the local government areas with the highest losses are some of the most “stressed communities in our state.”
“Families from Brimbank to Dandenong are being shamelessly preyed on by corporations looking to make a quick buck.”
Maribyrnong mayor Anthony Tran said gambling is slowly being recognised as a public health concern.
“While we may think gambling is an issue that only affects some people, but the truth is the impacts go beyond individuals to their families, friends, employers, workmates, businesses and the community generally.”
Educational campaigns and reduced trading hours are some of the crucial steps in minimising the harm caused by EGM’s, said Mr Costello.
“If we are to successfully reduce the harm being caused by poker machines we need to bring the community along with us.”
