Coronavirus shutdown of pubs and clubs results in over $1b pokie loss
The enforced shutdown of pubs and clubs during the coronavirus outbreak has resulted in a massive drop in gambling revenues through poker machines.
Poker machine gamblers are estimated to have saved up to $1.5 billion during the nationwide lockdown that forced pubs, clubs and casinos close their doors to patrons temporarily.
Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR) said it showed how large the gambling problem was across Australia.
"That's more than $1 billion that can instead be spent putting food on tables, paying for medical bills and utilities, rent and mortgages," said AGR chief advocate Tim Costello.
"Beyond the personal financial benefits and those for our economy, this current poker machine shut down will be significantly reducing gambling harm."
Costello also welcomed the ACT government's move to buyback pokie licenses from community clubs for $15,000, with the money going towards retaining and supporting staff. He said the impacts of gambling harm included mental ill-health, homelessness and family violence.
"Those are serious issues inevitably escalating through this crisis, but minimising gambling harm as a contributor to these issues is a good thing," he said.
Sheridan Randall, 23rd April 2020
