Gambling losses in Victoria seem not to be reducing anytime soon as Bendigo has joined the list of the state’s highest-losing cities.
The latest figures show electronic gaming machines are swallowing more and more money from punters across central Victoria.
For the Greater Bendigo region, that number rose by $1.8 million to $50 million in 2018.
The director of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Tim Costello, pointed out that Victoria recorded its highest annual increase in losses for more than a decade last year.
Mr Costello claimed the government’s decision to issue new 20-year pokies licences had contributed to the rise in losses.
“It was the biggest Bendigo venue, the All Seasons International Hotel, which was responsible for the largest jump as it increased pokies losses from $10.45m in 2017 to $11.26 million in 2018, a gain of eight percent,” he said.
ALSO READ: HUME PUNTERS LOSE $9M ON POKIES IN A MONTH
The non-metropolitan venues that witnessed the highest losses include Zagame’s Ballarat Hotel, the Mildura Gateway Tavern and Geelong’s Grovedale Hotel, with All Seasons placing fourth.
Speaking on efforts by the state to curb gambling losses, the minister in charge of gaming regulation, Marlene Kairouz, said the government had initiated some reforms to deal with the issue.
“We know how insidious problem gambling can be, that’s why we’re helping those who choose to gamble stick to their limits,” she said.
Ms Kairous added that the government had frozen pokies numbers, reduced daily cash withdrawals and capped the number of pokies in locations vulnerable to gambling harm.
Figures from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) shows that Bendigo District RSL and the Bendigo Stadium where among the top three local venues for the last six months.
Punters in Bendigo lost a total of $26,271,618 at 11 venues in the last six months of 2018.
More Victorian gambling news
Mitchell Shire loses battle over Hogan’s Hotel pokies expansion
Mitchell Shire has lost the fight over a proposed expansion of the gaming facilities at Hogan's Hotel in Wallan, with Victorian regulators approving 20 new...
RSL pokies battle heats up over Tabcorp ‘conflict of interest’
The Victorian RSL is facing accusations of a "conflict of interest" after it was revealed that the organisation and several of its sub-branches hold shares...
Mitchell Shire doubles down on anti-pokies stance
Councillors in Mitchell Shire are calling for the Victorian government to introduce mandatory warning labels on all licensed poker machines in the state.
VCGLR denies Geelong club’s push for more poker machines
The Victorian Commission for Gaming and Liquor Regulation has denied a Geelong venue's request to more than double its number of pokies from 35 to...
Brimbank Council chases gaming industry cash for $58m leisure centre
Brimbank Council has attracted controversy after a proposal to accept funding from the gaming industry to help pay for a new $58 million leisure centre.
Latest online casino promotions
Luckzie Casino offers $4,500 in welcome slot bonuses
Luckzie Casino is giving new players up to $4,500 in slot bonuses across five welcome offers. Start spinning today with 200%, 150%, and 100% match...
ReefSpins Casino sign up bonus: $3 free cash on pokies
ReefSpins gives $3 free to try pokies. Verify by OTP, no deposit needed. 40x wagering, $1 max, 7-day expiry. AU & NZ new players.
Claim up to 250 Free Spins every month at OnlineCasinoGames
Loyal players get rewarded at OnlineCasinoGames. Deposit last month and claim up to 250 Free Spins with the Monthly Spins Bonus.
Claim your share of €70,000 at 888STARZ online casino
The €70,000 Spin & Win Tournament is here! Play exciting online slots at 888STARZ, unlock casino bonuses, and fight for leaderboard glory.
Spin & win in King Johnnie’s €300,000 Galaxy Hunters tournament
Take part in the €300,000 Galaxy Hunters tournament from August 5 to 30, 2025. Play Booongo & Playson slots, earn points, and climb the leaderboards.