Geelong residents equal record for money spent on poker machines

Geelong residents have spent a record amount of money on poker machines within the region.

A man playing the poker machines at a gaming room. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Geelong’s poker machines swallowed more than $135m in just 12 months, as the region’s gambling habit shows no signs of slowing down.

The $135,596,630 slotted into the region’s machines last financial year was equal

to the previous record set in the 2021-22 financial year.

Gordon, a recovering gambling addict who chose to remain anonymous, compared the beginning of his pokies habit to having an affair.

“When I first started gambling I treated the casinos as my mistress,” he said.

“I would get dressed up, even put on aftershave, and at the end of the day I was going there with paint covered tracksuit pants, because I just needed to gamble.

“I think everybody is addicted until a certain point when the money runs out.”

Gordon said for about two years he was a compulsive gambler, and although he couldn’t provide an estimate of the money he had spent, he said it was in the range of six figures.

He said he “lost the plot” and focus on what he was doing.

“I gambled for the thrill of it,” he said.

“I got to a stage where I was feeling guilty and I didn’t know how to get out of it.

“I wanted to get caught, but I didn’t know how to get caught.”

In July 2022, the City of Greater Geelong’s gambling harm minimisation policy was endorsed by council to prevent and reduce harm from gambling.

As part of the policy, the council aims to promote alternatives to gambling, implement evidence-based planning, and community connection.

Despite the introduction of the policy, the region saw a 28.4 per cent increase in poker machines losses in Geelong in the past financial year, compared to the previous 2021-2022 financial year during which $105,501,925 was lost.

Figures from the Victorian, Gambling and Casino Control Commission also show the City of Greater Geelong, ranked sixth in the state for local government area annual expenditure on poker machines.

Council’s acting executive director of customer, community and economy Tennille Bradley said the city was in the process of implementing the policy statements with a number of actions either completed or in progress.

“It is underpinned by a harm minimisation framework that recognises the need to balance the

right to entertainment with the need to promote wellbeing,” Ms Bradley said.

Family safety and access manager at Meli Betti Chapelle said gambling harm could affect self-esteem, relationships, physical and mental health, work performance and social life.

“Having open discussions with our friends, family and community helps reduce stigma, which can be a barrier to seeking help,” she said.

“Gambling harm doesn’t discriminate, people of all ages or gender can experience harm.”

Gordon said he managed to kick his habit when his wife gave him an ultimatum and he sought help.

“It takes a bit of gumption to admit you are defeated.

“You have to appreciate and understand you are powerless, but it can take a lot of nerve and a lot of guts,” he said.

Gordon said going to Gamblers Anonymous has helped him realise he needed a character change.

Gamblers Anonymous Australia hold meetings in Geelong at the Wesley Centre at 218 Ryrie St every Wednesday from 7pm-8pm.

Meli also offers a number of gambling help prevention programs in Geelong and can be reached on 5226 8900.

Originally published as Geelong residents equal record for money spent on poker machines