By LAURA WAKELY
BRIMBANK City Council has lobbied the State Government to put a cap on poker machines, with more than $97 million gambled in the municipality since July last year.
With 953 machines in Brimbank, council’s General Manager of Community Wellbeing Kelly Grigsby said council wants Gaming Minister Michael O’Brien to prevent any more machines from being installed.
More than $10.6 million was spent on pokies in Brimbank in February alone and, while this is $2.1 million less than the amount spent in December last year, Brimbank is the pokies capital of Victoria, with $97,238,965.93 spent in the current financial year.
The figure equates to around $100,000 per machine.
Ms Grigsby said council also wanted the Government to provide improved support services and harm minimisation activities for those affected by problem gambling.
“Council would especially like to see more funds allocated for community benefit and a fair return from the taxes collected by the State Government which could help build much needed sporting, recreation and community facilities in the municipality,” Ms Grigsby said.
Ms Grigsby said research had shown around 15 per cent of regular pokies users were identified as having a gambling problem and that they were responsible for around 40 per cent of pokies revenue.
“Council is especially concerned at the impact that problem gambling can have on the community and the wellbeing of families affected by problem gambling,” she said.
“Although EGM (electronic gaming machine) venues are committed to ensuring responsible gambling, reducing problem gambling can be difficult when venues have lengthy opening hours seven days a week and the density of EGMs in Brimbank is higher than average per head of population.”
Council also liases with Gamblers Help Western and supports Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, which will be held from 14-20 in May.
Ms Grigsby said the reduction in pokies expenditure from December 2011 to February 2012 was similar to a trend seen last year.
A spokesperson for Isis Primary Care, which operates Gamblers Help Western, said less expenditure on pokies meant less of an impact on the community.
The spokesperson said gambling addiction was a “complex problem” that was difficult to respond to and understand.
“You can’t just stereotype that it’s this group or that group,” the spokesperson said.
“It doesn’t just sit across people in low socio-economic areas.”
If you or someone you know is affected by gambling contact Gamblers Help on 1800 858 858 or visit /www.problemgambling.vic.gov.au
