• Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook Star

By Bridie Byrne

4th August 2009 11:05:20 AM

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MORE than $79 million was gambled on Wyndham poker machines over the last year.

The latest figures from the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation reveal Werribee Plaza Tavern raked in a staggering $19 million from its 80 machines to become the fourth highest gambling club in Victoria.

Commercial Taverner took $12 million, Westside Taverner collected $11 million, with the Tiger Club House and Hoppers Crossing Club each snaring about $7 million.

Punters took the biggest chance in December, slotting in $7 million alone. Each year the figures have soared, with the Christmas period, July and August seeing the most pokies action.

Despite the global economic crisis, over the 2008-09 financial year $79 million was collected, increasing by $5 million on the previous year.

Citymission community and employment initiatives manager Steve Maillet said the numbers were disconcerting.

“When it becomes a gambling addiction it becomes a significant health issue,” he said.

Wyndham City Council drew a line in the sand last year and moved to end the growth of gaming machines.

But the power to limit the number lies with the State Government, and in 2012 local clubs and pubs will be allowed to own and operate machines.

Department of Health Science gaming researcher Dr Charles Livingstone said the incentives for these operators to rack in more money could fuel problems.

“I don’t think the government has thought through this process terribly well and I think there’s an awful lot of detail yet to be resolved,” he said.

“There’s a very serious potential that it could result in more problem gambling.”

Dr Livingstone said venue operators used all available technologies to push revenue.

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