By Matthew Sims

Daily gambling expenditure across Hobsons Bay electronic gaming machines [EGMs] increased by 1.88 per cent in August compared to losses experienced during July.

According to Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) data, $4.362 million was spent on EGMs in Hobsons Bay during August, while the expenditure in July was $4.281 million.

In Maribyrnong, the data showed an overall loss at EGMs of $6.142 million during August, which was a 2.91 per cent decrease on July’s figure of $6.326 million.

Maribyrnong mayor Anthony Tran said the decrease was positive news, but more needed to be done to encourage further support for those struggling with gambling addiction.

“Any decline in the amount of money being lost in the City of Maribyrnong from electronic gambling machines means more money staying in the pockets of residents to spend on essentials to support their own health and wellbeing, and that of their families,” he said.

“Gambling has impacts extending beyond financial losses to health and social issues such as depression, family violence and other criminal activities,” he said.

“We are aware that some in our community have been facing increasing financial stress due to a number of factors like COVID-19 and cost of living pressures.”

Footscray MP Katie Hall said the VGCCC has continued to provide support and regulation and the state government has introduced a suite of reforms to reduce harm from pokies.

“In Victoria, venues have to comply with strengthened harm minimisation requirements, and venue operators now have a duty of care to take all reasonable steps to prevent and minimise harm from the operation of gaming machines,” she said.

“An investment of $153 million over four years has also been provided to the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation in 2019 to fund service responses for gambling-related harm as well as important research to improve service responses and gambling regulatory policy.”

Details: gamblershelp.com.au