MOORABOOL doesn’t have a major problem with electronic gaming, despite residents pumping $23,000 through pokies each day, according to a local councillor.
New Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation statistics reveal Moorabool’s annual spend has risen 12per cent in the past five years.
The population increased 10per cent in the same period. The number of poker machines (110) has remained the same since 2004, when 50 machines were added.
A total of $8.49million was put through Moorabool pokies last financial year, $1million more than 2006-07’s $7.58million but almost 5per cent less than 2008-09’s figures.
It equates to an annual average spend of $389 per resident.
Macedon Ranges’ expenditure rose 14per cent to $9.48million in the past five years, despite having 15 fewer poker machines.
East Moorabool ward’s Cr Michael Tudball, a vocal opponent of pokies, said the figures didn’t indicate there was a major problem locally. But he wanted more revenue to go back to the community. “I believe there should be a direct return back into the community.
“The venues and the government have funds set aside for community purposes and to my knowledge no funds have been invested into Moorabool or Bacchus Marsh.
“This at least would ensure that those most affected have support mechanisms in place.”
A state government spokesman said gaming venues paid an additional 8.33per cent tax into the Community Support Fund, with proceeds used to fund services to tackle problem gambling as well as grants to community organisations and sports clubs.
Senior counsellor at Relationships Australia in Ballarat, Kathy Griffin, said the figures were alarming.
“Anything that is taking money out of people’s pockets in this way is not a good thing,” she said.
“We implore people to get help early, even if they think there might not be a problem.
“Gambling erodes away the love and caring in relationships in a way that’s similar to an affair.”
