Gambling harm advocates remain concerned at the high amount of pokies spending in Ballarat post-pandemic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Data from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation shows electronic gaming machines made $3,793,143.87 in February 2021 - while this is a decline from January 2021, where spending hit $5,114,860.31, experts note that even with social distancing requirements and other restrictions, it's comparably high compared to the February 2020 total, pre-pandemic, where Ballarat machines made $4,794,802.06.
Gambling harm prevention officer at Ballarat Community Health, Kate Diamond-Keith, said those were millions of dollars that could be better spent on local businesses or supporting charities in need.
"The losses are still quite high even when they've been under restrictions - there's still social distancing, and only every second machine is switched on," she said.
"It's not a good sign when poker machine venue gambling is returning to pre-COVID levels even with restrictions still on them.
"Considering the social isolation (and) impacts from lockdowns, the restricted connections with family and friends, and now to be going back to gambling behaviours is concerning."
Online gambling, which is not tracked like electronic gaming machine losses but increased during lockdowns, is also an issue that needs to be addressed, Ms Diamond-Keith added.
BCH is running several programs, in partnership with Cafs, to urge people to get help if they are experiencing problem gambling, and reduce the stigma.
Through lockdown, when pokie venues were closed, the All In campaign urged people to try new hobbies and make new connections to break the habit.
"We're also wanting employers in Ballarat, and organisations who see clients, to be aware of this and know what to do - BCH can help organisations with that, the training and support and how to reduce stigma," Ms Diamond-Keith said.
"Gambling harm is no longer an individual problem - it's about us as a community being supportive, raising awareness that this is an issue and causes significant financial and mental health impacts, and we as a community - as workplaces, groups, community members - need to support each other, and those experiencing gambling harm.
IN THE NEWS
There are currently 637 electronic gaming machines, or pokies, in venues across Ballarat, 96 per cent of the cap.
Peel Street's Robin Hood Hotel recently made an application to the VCGLR to add another eight machines to its current total of 20.
The hotel declined to comment on the application.
Need to talk? Phone Gambler's Help on 1800 858 858, Ballarat Cafs on 5337 3333, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
