Broadmeadows electorate gamblers lose $48.3m in one year
Pokies are draining the pockets of Hume gamblers at an alarming rate, with losses of more than $48.3 million in the Broadmeadows electorate in one year.
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Poker machines are draining the pockets of Hume gamblers at an alarming rate, with losses of more than $48.3 million in the Broadmeadows electorate alone recorded last financial year.
The region, which also includes Campbellfield, Coolaroo, Dallas, Fawkner, Jacana and Meadow Heights, was ranked 14th for losses in the state. People lost a total of $132,553 every day across the 362 poker machines at six venues.
$56M POURED INTO HUME POKIES IN 6 MONTHS
POKIES PLAYERS GETTING HURT WHILE PLAYING MACHINES
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR FORD FACTORY SITE
Alliance for Gambling Reform director Tim Costello said the new data from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation showed poker machine harm and losses were the greatest in areas of disadvantage.
“Poker machines are a con and are designed to addict vulnerable people so it should come as no surprise that seats such as Broadmeadows suffer losses which are five times greater than more affluent seats, such as Kew and Warrandyte,” he said. “Increased losses mean rising harm, family violence, suicide, financial hardship and crime, which is particularly disturbing when you consider it is often our most vulnerable communities that are being exploited by poker machines.”
The latest monthly data showed poker machines in Hume collected more than $9 million in September alone. Hume Mayor Carly Moore said the figures continued a trend of significantly high losses month-on-month, with a record loss of more than $10 million in August.
“While gambling is a legal activity, it can become problematic and can have harmful consequences for individuals, their families and the broader community,” she said.
Cr Moore said she was concerned about the State Government’s new legislation to grant 20-year poker machine licences. “Council will continue to work with the State Government to see that the harm from gambling is minimised.”
Anyone struggling with gambling addiction can phone Gambler’s Help on 1800 858 858.
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