One of central Victoria’s most vulnerable communities is among those hit hardest by poker machine losses, gambling regulator statistics have shown.
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Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation data, released this week, shows Central Goldfields residents spent an average of $676.67 each at the pokies last year, $200 more than the state average.
At the 2011 census, the median household income of the shire was just $685.
Statistics like these saw Central Goldfields ranked as the most disadvantaged local government area in Victoria – and the seventh worse off nationwide – after the census.
Both of the poker machine venues inside the municipality – the Maryborough Highland Society and Maryborough Golf Club – recorded increased losses in 2015/16.
Gaming spends at the Maryborough Highland Society climbed to $4.8 million last year, almost 4 per cent higher than in the previous 12-month period.
But the club’s general manager, Malcolm Blandthorn, described gaming profits as “plateauing”.
The club’s takings were well-down on 2010/11 numbers, when $5.5 million went through its machines, he said.
Mr Blandthorn explained his club, where patrons and staff knew each other and which required visitors to sign in, did not attract problem gamblers in the same way hotels might.
He also attributed the area’s low socio-economic ranking to large numbers of retirees living in the area, many of whom he said should not be considered vulnerable.
Still, his club had instituted precommitment functions on its machines and also offered a self-exclusion program, which enabled punters to ban themselves from gaming, he said.
The club manager conceded the election of federal members of parliament like Nick Xenaphon and Andrew Wilkie, who advocate for placing limits on bet amounts, was of concern to those relying on poker machine takings.
“We're looking at other options, as any good business should, as to what we can do to take away the reliance on gaming,” he said.
The Central Goldfields shire and the state member for the seat of Ripon, Louise Staley, were both contacted for comment.
Like their Central Goldfields neighbours, people living inside the City of Greater Bendigo also spent more than the state average at the pokies.
Bendigo’s per person spend hit $572.61 in 2015/16.
People who need support because of gambling can phone Gambler’s Help on 1800 858 858 or text 0447 141 868.