By Matthew Sims
Daily gambling expenditure across Maribyrnong electronic gaming machines [EGMs] increased by 13.75 per cent in July compared to losses experienced during June.
According to Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) data, $6.326 million was spent on EGMs in Maribyrnong during July, while the expenditure in June was $5.561 million.
In Hobsons Bay, the data showed an overall loss at EGMs of $4.281 million during July, which was a 13.03 per cent increase on June’s figure of $3.788 million.
Maribyrnong mayor Anthony Tran said increasing gambling losses contributed to a number of impacts across the community.
“This increase means less money staying in the pockets of residents to spend on essentials to support their own health and wellbeing, and that of their families,” he said.
“To actively support our community in preventing and minimising harm from gambling across the City of Maribyrnong, in June this year Council endorsed its Reducing Harm from Gambling Policy and Action Plan, which outlines the steps we as a council will take to address the issue, including continued advocacy to the state government.”
A Hobsons Bay council spokesperson said council has been targeting gambling harm across a number of fronts, including as a leading council with the Alliance for Gambling Reform.
“We support their calls to reduce maximum gaming venue operating hours from the current 20 hours per day,” the spokesperson said.
Monash University School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine Gambling and Social Determinants unit head Associate Professor Charles Livingstone said the current losses were “unsustainable” for a number of communities.
“We need a statewide and nationwide effort to prevent addiction, assist recovery, and reduce harm,” he said.
“Councils, in my opinion, should take a very active role in making sure that accessibility of poker machines is carefully managed.
“They should also ensure that gambling codes of conduct are observed and enforced, and that operators don’t breach their obligations.”
