By ANEEKA SIMONIS
OVER $60,000 is gambled away each day in Cardinia Shire.
The shock statistic has shaken Cardinia Shire councillors into action, announcing they are working to minimise the harms associated with problem and convenience gambling in the area through a revised gaming policy.
In 2013/14, gamblers poured more than $23.2 million into some 300 poker machines located at venues in the shire including the Cardinia Club, Pakenham Hotel and Zagame’s Cardinia Hotel.
The council estimates problem gamblers contribute to more than $63,000 fed into gaming machines daily across the shire, with more than half that amount gambled away at the Cardinia Club.
It took in $11.2 million between July 2014 to June 2014 and averages financial takings of over $2 million each month, according to figures from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.
Of the shire’s remaining four gaming venues, Zagame’s Cardinia Hotel took in more than $5 million over the year, while close to $4.6 million was spent on machines at the Pakenham Hotel.
The Cardinia Park Hotel and Pakenham Sports Club took in a combined total of $2.4 million.
The council is working toward releasing a revised gaming policy to help minimise the risk caused by the cycle of addiction experienced by many gamblers.
The policy outlines five key principles:
- Gaming machines should be accessible but not convenient.
- Protect problem gamblers and vulnerable communities.
- The provision of gaming machines should be capped, densities controlled and the number of new venues minimised.
- A choice and diversity of other entertainment facilities and attractions should be available.
- Venues should be designed and operated to minimise harm and amenity impacts.
Cardinia Shire mayor Leticia Wilmot said the number of gaming machines in the area was below the level recommended by the Victorian Government and the council, but more could be done to reduce the harm gaming can have on families and individuals.
“For most people, the pokies are just entertainment and they can enjoy it without harm, however some people may become problem gamblers and this can have significant impacts on their lives. We have an opportunity to try to reduce this impact,” Cr Wilmot said.
Victorian Responsible Gambling Ministerial Advisory Council member Dr Mark Zirnsak said punters often gambled away more than just money when they were behind a poker machine.
“Severe implications of gambling include marriage breakdown, loss of housing, and people turning to crime,” said Dr Zirnsak, who also spoke on the mental impacts of gambling.
The council recently took up a partnership with the Alliance for Gambling Reform.
It seeks to reduce the harms caused by gambling by supporting a $1 per spin bet limit in Victoria and seeking licensing changes to address the increase of gaming operators shifting existing machines into more vulnerable communities.
Dr Zirnsak voiced support for the $1 bet limits, adding restricted opening times for poker venue may also help reduce the harm caused by gaming.
He said research suggested midnight until 10am was the riskiest time for problem punters.
The council is seeking feedback on the policy. All submissions need to be sent or emailed to the council by 5pm on Monday 23 November.
