Tasmanians lost $18 million on poker machines in August
Helen Kempton | Mercury Newspaper | September 28, 2020
The latest poker machine data shows $18M in losses were recorded in Tasmania in August – a massive surge since machines were switched back on after the pandemic. See what areas lead the charge.
THE amount of money Tasmanians are losing on poker machines since casinos, clubs and pubs reopened continues to surge with one local government areas notching up a jump of over 40 per cent in just one month.
The latest data shows 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 back to the pokies.
“More disturbingly, the 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.
“These kinds of stresses are known risk factors for developing pokies addiction. With losses up 20 per cent statewide, we know there must be an increased level of harm in the community,” she said.
“This will have an enduring effect as more Tasmanians develop a problem with pokies at this vulnerable time and carry that forward. We know under normal circumstances about half the money flowing into pokies is from people who have a gambling problem.
“With superannuation lump sums and increased Centrelink payments such as JobKeeper and JobSeeker in people’s pockets, those with a pokies gambling problem may be contributing much more than half the increased losses we are seeing now.
“More than $40 million has been lost to poker machines in the first 67 days since they were switched back. That has delivered very little economic value to the state or struggling local businesses.”
Ms Webb called on the state government to commit to legislating evidence-based, expert recommended harm minimisation measures, including slower spin speeds, lower maximum bet limits, lower maximum jackpots and shorter opening hours.
helen.kempton@news.com.au Mercury
