VICTORIANS blew $2.57 billion on poker machines in the last financial year. 

Central Goldfields was one of the hardest hit shires. With a population of just 12,496, $6.9 million was put through Central Goldfields poker machines. The shire has 7.9 poker machines per 1000 residents.

St Luke’s Anglicare regional director Carolyn Wallace said there was a powerful stigma attached to gambling addiction. 

"It's a very shameful thing. We find people are more likely to admit alcohol addiction than having a problem with gambling,” she said. 

She said people struggling with a gambling problem should seek professional help or talk to a friend or GP. 

Bendigo’s Borough Club was recently selected to participate in a trial of a new voluntary pre-commitment scheme designed to help problem gamblers keep track of their poker machine losses.

Under the scheme, people can sign up for a swipe card that will allow them to set their own limits, set reminders and track how much time and money they are spending on gaming machines. The scheme will be rolled out to all gaming venues in December. 

Ms Wallace welcomed its introduction.

“There is evidence that this reduces expenditure and all strategies that minimise harm and decrease expenditure should be supported,” she said. 

Community Clubs Victoria chief operating officer Neill Murray said about $7 million of the $20 million spent on gaming in Bendigo’s clubs was paid to the state and federal government in taxes. A further $2 million was paid to the state in license repayments. Mr Murray said the leftover money was used “to employ local people, to support local sport and to provide opportunities for social interaction”.

“Clubs are not-for-profit, and every cent they spend is directed at their true purposes and supporting their communities. They provide uniforms for sport, they run local events and festivals, they provide meeting rooms for local service clubs and others to use, and help out many people in need.”

Mr Murray pointed to initiatives such as Bendigo Stadium’s Be Brave – Speak Up mental health program and the Be Brave Kids Ward as ways in which poker machine revenue was used positively in the community. 

If you need help with a gambling addiction, call 1800 244 323.