Victorian gambling losses at record high

30 July, 2018

The Victorian Government last week revealed that Victorians lost nearly $2.7 billion on poker machines in the past 2017-18 financial year — the highest figure in a decade – up $86 million on the previous year.

The latest figures from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation revealed the biggest annual loss for gamblers from the state's 26,384 machines since 2008-2009, at $2695 million.

The losses did not include Crown Casino's 2,600 poker machines.

Gambling related losses affect the lives of countless Victorians with devastating ramifications. Gambling addiction knows no boundaries, crossing all walks of life and social demographics.
It impacts individuals and families - financially, emotionally, mentally and physically.

Biggest losses by local council area:
Brimbank: $139.5 million
Casey: $131.5m
Greater Dandenong: $121.4m
Greater Geelong: $118.8m
Whittlesea: $118.5m
Monash: $111.9m
Hume: $109.6m
Wyndham: $105.5m
Kingston: $86.3m
Mornington Peninsula: $84.0m
_{Source: Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation}

Biggest losses by venue

_{Source: Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation}

Connect Health & Community offers a range of confidential free services aimed at preventing or reducing the negative impacts of gambling on individuals, families and the community, through Gamblers Help Southern.

Gambler's Help Southern services include:

• Problem gambling counselling
• Financial counselling
• Portfolio services - mental health, drugs and alcohol, family and relationships
• Health promotion - community education, primary care partnerships
• Gaming venue support
• Education services - professionals, community groups and gaming venues.
  
  Free advice for family and friends is also available on the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation website
  
  If you have an enquiry or booking request click here.
  Email: ghs.intake@connecthealth.org.au
  
  Web: www.gamblershelpsouthern.org.au
  Phone: 9575 5353