Victoria likes to consider itself Australia’s most progressive state - but not when it comes to gambling harm. With addictive poker machines features such as losses disguised as wins still in play, Victoria is trailing behind its Queensland and Tasmanian counterparts.
In 2019, the last full year of data due to pandemic lockdowns, our state lost $2.7 billion in poker machine losses. This doesn't even include the losses occurring in Crown Casino, whose poker machines annually take around $460 million alone. That's over $3.15 billion annually! We have seen these losses increase month by months following the pandemic and we all calling from immediate action from the Victorian Government.
Each day, the gambling industry are taking $8.6 million in poker machine losses from Victorians.
Data shows that the gambling industry exploit communities that are already highly stressed, and can least afford the additional problems poker machines create.
Victorians are actively campaigning for reforms that prioritise harm minimisation and prevention, and empower communities and those with lived experience of the harm caused by gambling. We're joined by our 22 Victorian Leadership Councils, who are working with us to regulate an industry that preys on members of our communities.
We've had some fantastic wins, but we need to keep the pressure on!
The data on gambling harm is out- Victoria lost $3.1 billion. Sign the petition or write to your local MP demanding reform!
Last updated 1/07/2021