ELECTRONIC gaming machine (EGM) losses in the Rural City of Wangaratta eased last financial year but they still exceeded $10.5 million and trends over the last six months have shown increased spending.
Figures from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission show that $10,559,115 was spent on EGMs in Wangaratta in 2023/24, down $315,000 on the previous year's figure of $10,874,190.
But it's the behaviour of gamblers between January and June the shows a rise in the money being spent locally on EGMs compared to the same data period last year, with almost a $1m swing on the ledger since the start of the year.
Up until December the financial losses at the four Wangaratta venues combined was an encouraging $651k less than at the same time in 2023 ($5.4m compared to $6.05m).
However, from January to the end of June in 2024, gamblers pumped through $336k more through the venues compared to the same six months in 2023 ($5.15m compared to $4.82m).
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Data shows the highest losses on EGMs in Wangaratta during 2023/24 were in August and October '23 with $972k and $907k, and May '24 with $910k.
These were not as bad as the historically high losses in July, August and October 2022 when more than $1m was blown in each of those months.
The $1.121m lost in August 2022 remains the rural city’s all-time record month for EGM-related losses.
The 2023/24 data shows the most was spent at the Pinsent Hotel in 2023/24, with $4,032,950 spent on 44 EGMs.
This venue was followed by Wangaratta RSL with $2,537,806 spent on 50 EGMs, The Old Town 'n' Country Tavern with $2,424,852 on 35 EGMs, and Wangaratta Club with $1,563,507 spent on 25 EGMs.
Wodonga city lost the most in the North East, with punters injecting $10.782m into the pokies, about $54k more than they did in 2022/23.
Three venues across Benalla, including the Benalla Bowls Club, Benalla Golf Club and Royal Hotel, showed expenditure of $6.3m on 105 EGMs in 2023/24.
Alpine Shire recorded $3,313,215 in losses in 2023/24 across two venues (Myrtleford Savoy Sporting Club, and Star Hotel Bright), up from $3,082,046 the previous year.
Gamblers lost $1,652,829 on 40 EGMs at the sole venue located at Mansfield Golf Club in the Mansfield Shire last financial year.
At Strathbogie Shire's only venue, Nagambie Lakes Entertainment Centre recorded patron expenditure of $2.332m from use of 32 machines.
Indigo Shire still doesn't have any poker machines.
Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said, "Gambling is an entirely legitimate form of entertainment; however, we know that when things get tough it can be easy to slip into the grip of gambling addiction".
"We are currently going through a tough time for everyone with the current cost-of-living crisis, so if you, or a mate, are struggling with gambling, reach out to the gambling helpline on 1800 858 858."
