By BEN CAMERON
A POKIES reform campaigner said Cardinia gaming venues should consider limiting their operating hours after residents lost an additional $700,000 on gaming machines last year.
Gamblers lost $21.2 million for 2013/14, up from $20.5m in 2012/13, according to the latest figures from the Victorian Gambling and Liquor Regulation.
The figures come as the Pakenham Hotel’s latest planning application, which could see 20 extra poker machines installed, is expected to go before the council in August.
The Cardinia Club benefited from the lion’s share of the losses at $10.4m, followed by Zagame’s Cardinia Hotel at $5.3m.
InterChurch Gambling Taskforce spokesman Mark Zirnsak said he wasn’t surprised that there had been an increase in pokies spending despite the number of punters decreasing overall across the state.
“We know that spending does go up with time if nothing is done,” he said.
“Measures are put in to reduce harm and you get a drop in spending but venues find a way to overcome it.
“Research shows people playing pokies at three in the morning are usually people with gambling problems.
“They’re not all shift workers, a lot of them are deeply hooked and have serious problems.
“There’s no silver bullet with this, there’s no magical solution, we need a long-term strategy to reduce harm.”
He called for $1 bet limits, punters to set enforceable limits for themselves and experienced venue staff to keep a more vigilant eye on problem gamblers.
Cardinia’s pokie spend drew a strong response on the Pakenham Gazette’s Facebook page.
“Just think if the council buys there (sic) own pokie machines then the council debt could be paid off in 3 years… we need a council with some forward thinking,” one resident said.
“People need to take more responsibility for themselves with everything… pokie venues provide education and information for people seeking help, they have programs for problem gamblers… it’s a part of life and for some people it’s a bit of social fun, it’s the minority of gamblers that have problems with it,” another wrote.
Next month councillors are to consider the Pakenham Hotel’s latest planning application.
“The site has an existing permit for 70 EGMs and it currently has 50 machines on site,” Council Manager Development and Compliance Services Brett Jackson said.
“The application indicates there may be an introduction of the additional 20 machines, however as these are already permitted, it is not part of the formal planning application.
“The Pink Hill in Beaconsfield development has not commenced, however the planning permit for this proposal is still active.
“The applicant may or may not decide to act on the permit.”
Mr Jackson said the council had no plans for significant changes to its current electronic gaming machine policies.
