Call to cut region’s losses

Pokie machines swallow $10m in October

A GEELONG councillor has called for a major reduction in pokie machines across the region, as new figures show gaming room losses going from bad to worse.

Fresh data from the state’s gaming commission show pokie machines swallowed more than $10 million across Geelong in October, equating to $329,000 lost each day.

The figure leaves the mu- nicipality on track to record a $126 million pokies loss this financial year, smashing the previous record by $6 million.

Geelong councillor Sarah Mansfield described the latest data as “really troubling”.

Cr Mansfield said it was time for the number of machines in the area to be scaled back.

“The more machines there are, the more potential for harm,” she said. “I think the more we can reduce the number of machines, the less harm there will be.

“It’s worth noting we have more machines than any other municipality and I think there’s definitely scope to reduce them significantly.”

There are currently 1305 machines in Greater Geelong and Queenscliff, hundreds more than any other region.

But there is room to add even more under a State Government-imposed cap, setting the region’s maximum number of pokie machines at 1421.

Following Geelong Football Club’s divestment of 100 machines last year, clubs across the region have used it as an opportunity to apply for more machines at their venues.

Portarlington Golf Club successfully lobbied for 10 extra machines last year, while Leopold Sportsmans Club was granted permission to add seven pokie machines to its gaming room last month.

It comes as the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation considers allowing another 30 machines at Geelong RSL.

Cr Mansfield said much of the responsibility for change rested with the State Government.

“They’re the ones that control the licenses (and) they have the capacity like introducing maximum bets and a whole range of other measures that I think would make a much more significant difference,” she said. “From my background as a GP and now a local councillor, we have to be mindful of the harm these machines inflict on the community and the lives of people affected by problem gambling.