A STAGGERING $3.07 billion was pumped through Central Coast pokies last financial year as experts warn the region’s problem gambling “hidden crisis” is only getting worse.
New figures released by Liquor and Gaming NSW show punters lost at least $306 million — or $1100 per adult — on the Coast’s 4673 poker machines in 2015-16, an increase of about 2 per cent on the previous financial year.
Chris Davidson, a gambling counsellor from Coast Community Connections. Picture: Sue Graham
The number of pokies also increased in the region over the past two years, with 70 more in clubs and hotels in Wyong and seven in Gosford.
It comes as local counselling services report a sharp rise in problem gamblers seeking help.
Coast Community Connections revealed 373 people sought help for problem gambling at local services last financial year, but that figure is on track to be eclipsed in 2016-17 with 209 already seeking counselling over the past five months.
“If it’s alcohol, ice or any other drug, you can tell if someone’s addicted — but with a gambling addiction, you can’t tell as easily, which is making it a hidden crisis for the region,” Chris Davidson, who has been counselling gamblers on the Coast for nearly 20 years, said.
Latest research by AC Neilsen also shows Coast males aged 18-24 are the State’s biggest pokie addicts.
Canberra we have a huge problem..
and what do the leaders do??
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
oh thats right they increase the number of poker machines....
especially to a Casino...$3.07 billion went through poker machines in one year on the central coast..
I wonder how much of that was pumped into counselling....
bloody hilarious the govt tells us its doing something about the problem..
because there are counsellers available...
there is a huge ripple affect from this addiction...
.and the govt is the biggest winner financially.....shame on them....
cut the number of machines and venues....stop pretending you care and are concerned we all know you you are neither...