Gamblers have already lost more than $9 million on electronic gaming machines in Bendigo this financial year, an increase of almost $100,000.
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Greater Bendigo's electronic gaming machines took in $9,329,875 during the first two months of the financial year according to statistics from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.
Bendigo gamblers lost $300,000 more in August ($4,827,615) on electronic gaming machines than they did in July ($4,502,261).
Last financial year, people lost a total of $50,671,968 on electronic gaming machines.
In Campaspe gamblers lost $2,024,167 this financial year, an increase of 8.7 per cent from the previous July - August period.
Read more: $50 million lost at Bendigo pokies venues
Regional Director of Anglicare Victoria Francis Lynch said problem gamblers drove part of the increase in money spent on poker machines
The service runs a Gambler's help program to support those struggling with gambling and their families.
Mr Lynch said statistics for Campaspe particularly were "alarming", reflecting an increased number of referrals to Anglicare's services.
He said the higher losses in Campaspe were a worrying trend.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation's expenditure statistics for Campaspe also incorporate the Shire of Gannawarra.
Statistics show losses of $1,008,386 in July and $1,015,799 in August, both across 254 machines in five venues.
In July 2018 gamblers lost $952,442, in August $909,704. $900,445 were the average monthly losses for 2018/19.
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Mr Lynch said he did not know what was driving the increase of money going through the machines. But he said for some people who would develop a problem gambling.
"There are some people who, and most people who use the electronic gaming machines, don't have a problem with their use," Mr Lynch said.
"However there are a proportion of people in the community who become addicted to using these machines and it's really the problem gamblers where the most harm occurs.
"So you've got a certain percentage ... who use these machines who will have financial problems as a result, they'll have family relationship problems as a result. In extreme cases that can lead to significant mental health issues as well."
Mr Lynch said Anglicare's Gamblers Help program could offer therapeutic services and financial counsellors.
He said anyone affected by problem gambling - including family members of those struggling - could contact gamblers help, or make a referral on behalf of someone.
Mr Lynch said the electronic gaming machine statistics did not show up hidden gambling, through online gambling sites in Australia and offshore. He said many people that come to the service have problems with that too.
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