Tasmanians have lost more than $1 billion on slot machines since 2018
Date: 2024-09-23 Author: Leon Pierce Categories: EVENTS
Gambling in Tasmania: A growing problem
According to figures released by the Tasmanian Alcohol and Gambling Commission, losses on slot machines have exceeded A$1.14 billion since 2018. Australia has long been the world leader in gambling losses per capita, which is a major concern.
Recurring slot machine losses in Tasmania
Gambling is extremely popular among Australians, and this is resulting in huge losses. The country has the highest number of slot machines per capita in the world, which is causing multi-billion dollar losses despite government efforts to reduce gambling harm.
While the government is discussing and gradually implementing new regulations to curb the negative impact of gambling, many gamblers continue to lose huge amounts of money. According to a report, Tasmanians have lost more than A$1 billion on slot machines in the last five years alone.
Half a million dollars every day
There are 3,282 slot machines in Tasmania, located in casinos and other licensed establishments, and local gamblers lose about half a million dollars every day. Losses are especially high in bars and clubs, where the total losses since 2018 have amounted to A$687 million. Two casinos owned by Federal Group have lost A$448 million over the same period.
The problem is not limited to Tasmania
However, the problem of large gambling losses is not limited to Tasmania. Queensland government figures show that total gambling losses across Australia from 2022 to 2023 will reach AUD$32 billion, up significantly from the previous year's figure of AUD$28.2 billion.
Social inequality and gambling
Anglicare Tasmania research has found that disadvantaged areas of Tasmania have significantly higher numbers of slot machines. The West Coast, the poorest region, has 141 machines for every 10,000 residents, compared to 24 machines for the same number of people in wealthier Hobart.
The difference in losses is also significant, with West Coast residents losing an average of AUD$427 per person, compared to just AUD$64 per person in Hobart.
