By XAVIER SMERDON
MORE than $1 million is being lost on pokie machines every day in the Western Suburbs, according to the latest statistics.
Figures provided by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation showed that the West was a hot spot for problem gambling.
From August last year to January this year, $197,910,013 was lost to electronic gaming machines in the West.
Brimbank was the worst of these suburbs with $387,284 lost every day while $253,471 was lost every day in Wyndham.
Melton residents lost $153,235 each day, Maribyrnong residents lost $147,838 and Hobsons Bay residents lost $133,766 every day.
Director of Community Support Services at ISIS Primary Care Michael Girolami told Star that problem gambling had a significant impact on local communities.
“Gambling becomes a problem when it starts to adversely impact on people’s health, wellbeing and economic relationships with friends, family and business associates,” Mr Girolami said.
“At the extreme end of the scale people may lose their homes or be imprisoned as a consequence of illegal actions they take to support their addiction.”
Mr Girolami said problem gambling was prevalent in the West, which is home to three of the top 10 most disadvantaged municipalities – Brimbank, Melton and Maribyrnong.
“Problem gambling can also impact the community through higher crime, family breakdown, depression, anxiety and, potentially, even suicide,” he said.
For more information on support for gamblers visit www.isis.com.au.
