Max Hatzoglou
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has revealed Brimbank recorded the highest amount of player loss from electronic gaming machines in the state over a seven-month period
Across the 15 poker machine venues in Brimbank, $55,18 million was recorded in player loss between between July 2021 and January 2022.
The highest monthly loss was recorded in December last year ($14.98 million).
The Kealba Hotel recorded the highest player losses in the state between July 2021 and January 2022, with more than $7 million lost.
Brimbank mayor Jasmine Nguyen said gambling was a very concerning issue in the community overall.
“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, losses from wagering and sports betting (most of which occurs online) have also increased significantly,” she said.
“Brimbank also experienced record losses from electronic gaming machines when gaming venues re-opened after extended closures due to COVID-19 restrictions [in 2020].
“It is very concerning that Brimbank continues to have the highest loss venue in the state.”
Cr Nguyen is calling for gaming venues’ operating hours to change and stronger regulations.
“This again highlights the need for reform to reduce operating hours, particularly in communities that are vulnerable to gambling harm and have experienced sustained losses.
“Brimbank council is vocal and steadfast in our calls for better regulation.
“We have an Electronic Gambling Policy which aims to reduce the economic, social and health harms associated with poker machines and other forms of electronic gambling in Brimbank.
“Council will continue to advocate for stronger regulation of the gambling industry and we support the Alliance for Gambling Reform’s calls for wider systemic reform to reduce the harms that gambling losses bring to our community.
Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocate Tim Costello said communities in Brimbank were among the most stressed in the state.
“Yes, people are waking up to the harm being done by this predatory industry… But what about the hundreds of millions lost every month in pubs and clubs? What action is being taken to address this crisis?” he said.
“Harm prevention measures like universal pre-commitment, reduced opening hours and abolishing losses disguised as wins would have a significant impact in reducing these losses and the harm felt in our state.
“We also need well-resourced educational campaigns aimed at bringing awareness to this ongoing crisis. If we are to successfully reduce the harm being caused by poker machines we need to bring the community along with us.”
