By Matthew Sims
Brimbank council has continued to top the list of the state’s local government areas in terms of player losses on electronic gaming machines [EGMs].
According to Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) data, $15.38 million was lost on EGMs in Brimbank during August, while the losses recorded in July were $15.55 million – a 1.06 per cent reduction.
Brimbank mayor Jasmine Nguyen said it was “very concerning” that gambling losses and gambling expenditure remained high.
“Brimbank is heavily impacted by gambling harm and unfortunately we continue to have the highest daily losses of any Victorian local government area for the past decade,” she said.
“In 2021-22, our community experienced losses were over $128 million or $477,310 each day.
“This again highlights the need for the Victorian government to undertake serious regulatory reform to reduce gaming venue operating hours and other initiatives to limit gambling losses, particularly in communities like Brimbank that are vulnerable to gambling harm.”
Cr Nguyen said the council would continue to advocate for stronger regulation of the gambling industry.
“We support the Alliance for Gambling Reform’s calls for wider systemic reform to reduce the harms that gambling losses bring to our community,” she said.
“Council has also been working with the Victorian Local Governance Association on this issue and the association hosts a local government gambling group to help reduce gambling harm.”
“Council remains vocal in our calls for better regulation and will continue to raise our concern at other factors such as the proliferation of gambling ads and the growing convergence of gambling and online gaming.”
Cr Nguyen said reducing gambling within Brimbank would lead to a number of positive economic, social and health outcomes for the area.
“Council undertakes a range of initiatives to prevent gambling harm, including education and awareness of the risks and promoting alternatives to gambling,” she said.
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