In the state of Victoria, local politicians have employed a number of strategies to reduce problem gambling rates. While gambling spending has declined overall, there are some communities in which these responsible gambling tactics are not very effective. Brimbank is one such area, as pokie players continue to lose upwards of $350 000 per day. So far in 2013, Brimbank residents have spent $103.8 million on poker machines.

Over the course of 2012, they spent $148 million. So, Brimbank is set to see its pokie spending double by the end of this year. In all of Victoria’s Western suburbs, Brimbank has the highest pokie spending. Wyndham and Moonee Valley following with the second and third highest poker machine expenditure, with residents spending $65 million and $54 million respectively.

Gambling researchers blame the issue on the number of poker machines in Brimbank, and they urge local politicians to cut down. They would also like to see pokie bet limits reduced by $5 to $1, so as to encourage responsible spending among pokie players. This bet limit would cut losses per hour from $1000 to $600. “The accessibility of dangerous gaming machines is far too high.

You can go to any pub in the west and spend unprecedented amounts of money,” says Dr Charles Livingstone, a researcher at Monash University. “Toughening the legislation, reducing the number of machines and the money people spend in them, along with education programs, is the most effective way.’’

Victoria is has recently passed a number of initiatives to reduce gambling spending. From removing ATMs from pokie venues to banning the use of headphones while playing these games, local politicians are striving to encourage responsible behaviour among pokie players. For the most part, these strategies are working – but it seems that more needs to be done on a local level in Brimbank.

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.