Tara Murray
A local gambling counsellor says gambling is only the start of the problem for many Brimbank residents who have gambling debts.
With Brimbank continuing to top the state for spending on poker machines, calls for intervention continue to grow.
In March, $14.68 million was spent on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in Brimbank, the second-highest monthly spend since the introduction of poker machines. December 2020 recorded the highest monthly spend ($14.72 million).
Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association Gambler’s Help Program co-ordinator and gambling counsellor Thao Hoang said she had seen a number of people who had returned to gambling since venues reopened after COVID-19.
The AVWA provides free and confidential counselling services to the Vietnamese community.
“We work with people in the west, especially people from Brimbank,” Ms Hoang said.
“People gamble for fun and go into venues where they have a sense of belonging.
“The noises, the lights and the hosts make them feel welcome.
“They have fun and they get used to it. A lot of clients come into venues to forget all the troubles back home.
“They end up with nowhere else to go. They don’t know how to destress.”
Ms Hoang gambling can be just the start of some people’s problems.
“Some people have a lot of debt, but they don’t know how to get the money,” she said.
“They keep gambling hoping to have luck and win back the money and pay off their debts.
“A lot have nowhere else to go and get involved in the criminal pathway.”
Ms Hoang said there was a stigma surrounding gambling and seeking help.
Her organisation has worked with a number of groups including Brimbank council to raise awareness.
“A lot of the education work is having to explain the early warning signs,” she said.
“Much of our community doesn’t have an understanding about us as counsellors.
“We raise awareness on gambling harm, addiction and what the warning signs are and where to seek help.”
Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said it is terribly frustrating to see Brimbank consistently recording the highest gaming machine spends in the state.
“This is one top spot we don’t want,” she said.
“We need to reduce the number of machines and the hours they are open. We’re also advocating for maximum $1 bets, daily $200 maximum EFTPOS limits, and a ‘sinking cap’ policy to encourage a reduction in EGMs over time.,” she said.
“Our community deserves better. We will continue advocating for industry reform and engaging with government and non-government groups to help reduce the impact and harm associated with gambling.”
