Punters the losers in Covid pokie surge
PUB and club gaming machine profits are soaring as the pandemic pokie boom continues to deliver unprecedented windfalls for the industry.
The release of the latest profit figures comes amid speculation The Star casino in Sydney is planning to capitalise on the boom by boosting its number of pokies, which are capped at 1500.
An industry source said the casino had been lobbying the state government to be able to lift the number of electronic gaming devices it can operate.
Its success is likely to be influenced by how it tackles problem gambling.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet recently told a stakeholder breakfast he believed problem gambling to be “one of the worst blights on our country”. Departmental figures for May show NSW punters lost a record $579 million in clubs and hotels – more than 10 per cent more than in May 2019, before Covid hit. The greatest rise in losses was in the bush, where profits at regional licensed venues rose by almost 20 per cent.
Responding to a question by Alliance for Gambling Reform representative Kate da Costa at a NSW Council of Social Service breakfast, Mr Perrottet said the government was addressing the issue.
“I think one of the worst blights on our country is problem gambling and the fact that we provide and facilitate an environment where people pour their savings down a pokie machine,” he said.
“It’s something that needs to be addressed and I know that (Customer Service Minister) Victor (Dominello) is working closely in that space.”