Pokies Losses Skyrocket

Helen Kempton | Mercury Newspaper | October 5, 2020    

THE amount Tasmanians are losing on poker machines since casinos, clubs and pubs reopened continues to surge with one local government area notching a jump of over 40 per cent in just a month.

Tasmania recorded pokies losses of more than $18 million in August – up by $4 million on July and equating to $598,530 per day. Municipalities like Central Coast in Tasmania’s North (40.9 per cent increase in losses in the month), Sorell (35.7), West Coast (32.8), Clarence (22.6) and Glenorchy and Launceston (24) led the charge. “Losses continue at a significantly increased level since machines were switched back on — 20 per cent higher than August last year,” independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb said.

Ms Webb said the massive losses come at a time of great personal and economic stress due to COVID-19.

“This will have an enduring effect as more Tasmanians develop a problem with pokies at this vulnerable time and carry that forward,” she said.

A government spokesman said poker machine venues were closed on health advice and, like other types of venues, were reopened on health advice. “Nationally, all jurisdictions have experienced higher player expenditure since venues reopened but the level of increase year-on-year is trending down.”