MELTON punters reduced their poker machine expenditure by almost $3 million last financial year, but the average local gambler is still spending more than the state average.
Figures from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) released last week show Melton’s electronic gaming machine spend totalled $53.5 million in 2012-13.
A total of $56.52 million was spent in 2011-12. It’s the first time the figures have dropped in five years. But Melton’s per person average was $662, compared to the state average of $602.
Moorabool’s total spending was $7.8 million, down from $8.4 million the previous year. Bacchus Marsh’s Court House Hotel brought in the most money in Moorabool, taking in $3.8 million.
Monash University’s Dr Charles Livingstone said the apparent decline in gaming revenue showed that incremental reforms, such as banning ATMs in pokies areas and reducing maximum betting from $10 to $5, could reduce harm.
Melton council acting community services manager Adam Boyle said the drop was positive.
“Council continues to provide direct assistance to problem gamblers and their families through a range of counselling and support services,” he said.
“Council is not aware of any applications being submitted to the VCGLR from venue operators to increase electronic gaming machines in the 2013-14 financial year.”
