Millions down pokies drain

By MaraPattison-Sowden
YARRA Ranges residents have gambled away $13 million on the pokies in the first six months of this financial year.
With eight venues across the shire operating more than 420 electronic gaming machines, people gambled away more than $31 million during the 2010/2011 financial year.
Yarra Ranges councillor Tim Heenan revealed these shocking statistics at last Tuesday’s 14 February council meeting, and said the figures spoke for themselves.
“They are shocking statistics, but for what? It’s probably going to get worse,” he said.
“I’m not against gambling, but we do get told the ugly statistics about families putting the mortgage through the gambling machine.
“It’s such a huge amount of money and it doesn’t help the situation knowing some people are more impoverished than others and it absolutely baffles me how a society allows it to happen.”
The Victorian Government will introduce bans on automatic teller machines (ATMs) in gaming venues this year.
From 1 July 2012, gaming venues cannot provide, or allow someone to provide, access to ATMs in approved venues.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation put out a statement saying the ban on ATMs in gaming venues was an important part of the Victorian Government’s strategy to minimise gambling-related harm.
The ban will still allow cash withdrawal of $200 per transaction to be made at gaming venues, where there is face-to-face interaction with staff, similar to traditional EFTPOS facilities.
The Productivity Commission’s 2010 Report into Gambling found that face-to-face interaction when making a withdrawal is less risky as it can deter problem gamblers from withdrawing large sums of money.
For those experiencing gambling issues and need help regaining control, call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858.