Alliance for Gambling Reform’s Tim Costello calls for pokies to stay switched off
Coronavirus has devastated industries across the country, but the shutdown of poker machines has been a “huge relief” for gambling addicts trying to reform, with a lobby group revealing the huge amount saved in just two months.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The coronavirus lockdown has saved more than $1.5 billion from being fed into poker machines, according to the Alliance for Gambling Reform.
That figure jumps to more than $2 billion if losses in casinos are included.
Reform group chief advocate Tim Costello said they felt deeply for those killed or otherwise affected by the disease, but that it had “undoubtedly saved lives” and improved others.
“We’re hearing some great stories of how people are no longer worrying about how to pay their bills because they now have money in their bank accounts instead of them being bled by poker machines,” he said.
Reformed gambler Suzie, who did not want her surname published, said having pubs and clubs shut was a weight off her shoulders.
“If Dan Murphy’s is closed for an alcoholic, we’ve got the problem eradicated,” she said.
“Having (gaming venues) shut, not just for me but for anyone who would have the curse … it’s a huge relief.”
A Banyule Community Health spokeswoman said problem gamblers would now know what it was like to have money in their pocket and be able to afford food at the supermarket.
MORE: WHAT’S OPEN AT NORTHLAND SC
WHAT TO DO WITH A LOCKDOWN FINE
NURSING HOME KEY IN INFECTION SPIKE
“These are everyday things people take for granted, however they’re all stripped from you if you’re playing the machines,” she said.
“People are now experiencing what it’s like to have those things back again.”
The Rev Costello said the lockdown was a unique opportunity to address the gambling industry in Australia and come out with “a real positive.”
“The benefits of keeping poker machines switched off are myriad, far outweighing any supposed benefit in turning them back on,” he said.
“That will not only save families and individuals from inordinate pain including family violence, mental ill-health and homelessness, it will provide billions of dollars to be spent in our economy at a time when we need it most.”
If you need help with gambling contact Gambler’s Help on 1300 133 445.