By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
AN ANTI-POKIES academic says a $6 million-plus rise in annual pokie losses in Casey is a sign that pokie venues have “learnt to better exploit” their machines.
Dr Charles Livingstone, a public-health lecturer at Monash University, also slammed the State Government’s imminent trial of voluntary pre-commitment gambling limits as “useless” for problem gamblers.
According to government statistics, $119.4 million was lost in Casey poker machines in 2014-15 – more than $2 million a week.
In neighbouring Greater Dandenong, losses rose by nearly $7 million to $117 million.
Dr Livingstone said venues had learnt to “exploit” their machines better after assuming control when Tatts and Tabcorp were “shown the door” in 2012.
“They are moving the machines to greater disadvantage – that’s where we’re seeing the greater concentration.”
Despite regional caps on pokies numbers, Cranbourne – with five venues – has the greatest pokies concentration in Casey.
Dr Livingstone said ATM withdrawal limits in venues were being circumvented by EFTPOS withdrawals.
He said it was possible for problem gamblers to draw out $200 a time without a limit on the number of transactions.
“Under the new system, you could take out $200 a minute if you wanted to.”
He said the State Government’s trial of voluntary pre-commitment in 14 venues was “as good as useless” at protecting problem gamblers.
“Almost no one uses it,” he said.
“If you do use it, all it does is tell you that you have reached your (gambling) limit without any other implications.
“The gambler can over-ride it. It’s like a snooze button.”
Dr Livingstone said mandatory pre-commitment which stopped gamblers from betting beyond their pre-determined daily limit, as well as reducing maximum bets to $1, would be more effective.
His suggested reforms were endorsed by Greens South East Metopolitan MP Nina Springle.
“These figures are shocking and show the need for meaningful action,” Ms Springle said.
“The government’s voluntary plan won’t ever work and they know it.
“Their own budget papers show pokie machine revenue growing this financial year, which is a clear concession that their voluntary scheme won’t help gaming addicts.”
Gaming Minister Jane Garrett said the voluntary scheme was “one of the tools” people could use to stay in control of their gambling.
“The government shares the community’s concerns around the impact of gambling and electronic gaming machines.
“We are committed to reducing gambling related harm in the community.”
