Playing pokies is a popular pastime in the Australian gambling market, as residents enjoy visiting clubs and pubs for the thrill of potentially winning generous cash prizes. While the activity is popular across the country, there are some areas that seem to enjoy it much more than others. According to a recent report by the Herald Sun, Brimbank is one such area, as residents continue to spend millions on pokies each year.

Last year, the Victorian government decided to ban ATMs from poker machine venues. Over the course of the six month period following the enforcement of the ban, poker machine revenue in Victoria dropped by over $60 million – however, it does not seem that the ban had the same affect on Brimbank as it did on other areas of the state.

Statistics released by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation show that Brimbank players continue to spend more on pokies than residents from any other area of the state. In 2012, they spent $141.9 million on pokies, a very small decline from the $142.3 million that they spent in 2011. The venue that earned the most from its poker machines last year was the Kealba Hotel, which earned $9.2 million.

Westend Market followed closely behind in earnings with $7.9 million while Taylors Lakes Hotel generated $7.8 million in pokie profits. "Brimbank Council's electronic gambling policy expresses concern about the detrimental impact of problem gambling on personal and community wellbeing, and supports a decrease in the number and density of electronic gaming machines," says Neil White of Brimbank Council.

Across the country, politicians are working hard to ensure that players spend less money on pokies, and Brimbank politicians would like to follow suit. Although poker machines are not inherently harmful, Mr. White recognizes that a decrease in the number of pokies is likely to help reduce problem gambling rates and encourage responsible gambling.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.