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Victoria’s record $3.03b in annual poker machines losses underscores urgency of reform
26 July 2024
Victoria has recorded a new, all-time record high in poker machine losses with an annual total loss of $3.03 billion.
“It has been more than a year now since the State Government promised to introduce sweeping reforms that were touted as Australia’s strongest gambling harm reduction laws and we are still waiting,” the Chief Advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Tim Costello, said.
“And now we have another new record in pokier machine losses, these losses underscore devastating social harm across our community from financial hardship, health and mental health problems, family violence and breakup and suicide.”
Total figures for Victorian pokies expenditure released by the Victorian Gambling Casino and Control Commission today show that the losses have jumped again in Victoria, with $3.03b being spent across the state compared to $3.02b last year.
The Minister for Gaming and Liquor, Melissa Horne MP, announced on July 16th, 2023, that the government was implementing reforms that would see Victoria having Australia’s strongest protections against gambling harm.
“Victoria desperately and quickly needs to introduce a mandatory cashless card with pre-set loss limits across all of the State’s pubs and clubs. In this way, we will reduce gambling harm and it will also tackle money laundering by criminals,” Rev. Costello said.
“The longer Victoria dithers on these reforms the more harm is being caused by people across the community.”
“Victoria needs to get serious about tackling gambling harm and announce a timeframe for implementing the poker machine reforms.
Tim Costello is available for interview at media@agr.org.au – 07 3180 0630
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