Gambling trends

Community health leaders and counsellors have regarded the COVID-19 pandemic as a ‘blessing’ for community members struggling with a gambling addiction.

The Wimmera’s 320 electronic gaming machines have laid dormant since the start of stage-three restrictions in late March. But Grampians Community Health gambling counsellor Christine Walker said a new trend towards online gambling had emerged since the state-imposed closure of all gaming venues across Victoria.

“There was a rapid shift from pokies to online gambling, however, we have found it was not filling a need for many gamblers,” she said.

“The gaming venues are popular because they fill a need, such as socialisation or the opportunity to zone out. Clients reported they moved to online gaming, playing virtual electronic gaming machines, but for free. The upside is by not involving money, people were saving money but still filling a need.”

Ms Walker said with COVID-19 restrictions starting to ease, clients were looking for strategies to avoid gaming venues.

“Initially, because problem gamblers were forced to withdraw from gambling, their anxiety was high,” she said.

“Now clients are starting to inquire about strategies to prevent themselves from losing control once the venues open again.”

Counselling program leader Jenn Tumney said restrictions had prevented problem gamblers from spending an average of $52,395 every day in Horsham, Stawell or Ararat.

She said based on Victorian government data, this equated to savings of more than $4.45-million.

“Pokie machines are the most common gambling problem in our region,” she said.

“Playing the pokies places a significant financial strain on the affected individual and their families, in turn creating tension in relationships.

“Initially, clients were saying they were glad the gaming venues are closed, which provided the person with some insight into their gambling.”

People can call Grampians Community Health on 5358 7400 for further advice.