Geelong pokies concern

Gambling losses set to soar as restrictions ease

GEELONG locals are losing hundreds of thousands of dollars to poker machines every day, with experts fearing losses could skyrocket as Covid restrictions continue to ease.

More than $366,000 was lost every day in Geelong over the course of just 19 days in July this year when the area briefly emerged from lockdown, according to data from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.

This week marks Gambling Harm Awareness Week, with residents urged to start a conversation with family and friends about the negative effects of gambling.

Continuing the theme “talk, share, support” for a third year, the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation chief executive Shane Lucas is calling on the community to assist in breaking down the stigma associated with the addiction, which causes many people to feel too embarrassed to ask for help.

“People who experience gambling harm are not only stigmatised by community attitudes, but often by their own negative thoughts,” Mr Lucas said.

“But the truth is that gambling affects how the brain functions, which means anyone can become addicted to it.

“Open, informed community conversations about gambling harm are key to taking away the stigma associated with addiction and encouraging those affected to seek help.”

The Alliance for Gambling Reform said a significant portion of harm happened after dark, between the hours of 2am and 6am, with the organisation calling for an enforced statewide closure of poker machines during this time.

“That’s a staggering amount of money strip-mined from the community by these predatory machines designed to addict,” lead campaign organiser Rose O’Leary said.

“Geelong is being taken for a ride by a predatory industry.

“We need the Victorian government to step up and take action to protect our wellbeing.”

There are currently 1334 poker machines across 26 venues in Geelong.

In 2020 to 2021, despite widespread lockdowns, the total losses from poker machines in Geelong was $70.5m.

Anyone negatively affected by their own or someone else’s gambling is encouraged to call the 24/7 Gambler’s Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free, confidential advice, support and referral.