PUNTERS on the Bass Coast spent a whopping $19.15 million dollars on various forms of gambling in 2024/25 including poker machines, lotteries and sports wagering.
South Gippsland gamblers according to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) spent $6.94 million in the same period.
Losses on poker machines accounted for nearly half of gambling revenue.
According to the VGCCC the gambling industry is highly lucrative because it taps into people’s fantasies of winning big on products that are designed to ensure punters lose more than they win.
Bass Coast gamblers hand over $1.6 to $1.7 million to the gambling and lottery industry each month while in South Gippsland gamblers spend $660,000 a month.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt said rates of gambling harm in Victoria have increased by 13% over the last 10 years with more than a quarter of gambling participants suffering harm aged 18 to 24 years.
Crown Melbourne accounts for a third of participants experiencing harm in Victoria (36%), sports betting (35%), poker machines (29%) and wagering on horse, harness and greyhound racing (20%).
“The house always wins,” said Ms Kimmitt.
“People who experience severe gambling issues are more likely than others to take up inducements like bonus bets, reward programs and early cash-outs, which are often promoted through direct marketing messages.
“Customers who understand these tactics are in a better position to protect themselves from harm,” she said.
Examples of how to protect yourself include taking regular breaks, setting and sticking to time and money limits, keeping track of losses, and only gambling when sober.
“The gambling industry spent $53 million on advertising in Victoria in 2023, much of which seemed to imply that gambling is a game of skill rather than chance,” Ms Kimmitt said.
“This type of misinformation can result in people underestimating the risks, as well as their chances of winning, and leading to negative consequences, including serious harm.”
Every year more than 400,000 Victorians experience at least one type of gambling harm, such as feelings of guilt and regret or other psychological distress, relationship problems, financial issues, physical or mental health concerns, and work or study difficulties.
The Salvation Army is actively involved in addressing problem gambling by offering support services and advocating for policy change.
The Salvos provide counselling, financial assistance, and support groups for individuals and families affected by gambling addiction.
Anyone negatively affected by their own or someone else’s gambling is encouraged to contact the 24/7 gambling helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support or visit gamblershelp.com.au or gamblinghelponline.org.au
Gambler’s Help services are provided by a range of community organisations across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria and are available in over 100 locations.
Gambling Help services are also tailored to First Nations communities, and in-language support for at-risk culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Call 1800 858 858 for in-the-moment support or to book a free counselling session.
For people under 25 who are worried about their own, or someone else’s gambling support is available on the Gambler’s Help Youthline by calling 1800 262 376.
Gambler’s Help Youthline is available 24/7 and is anonymous, confidential and free.