In both Tasmania and Victoria gamblers in Australia spent record amounts trying their luck at the gaming machines and gaming tables in the last twelve months. In Victoria the amount collected by the state government from gaming taxes and fees was around A$1.6 billion, up from the last financial year, and figures show that there may be fewer gaming machines now but more adults are playing them. In Tasmania the amount collected was A$90 million, up from A$79 million in 2003/4.

Tasmanian gamblers spent A$96 million on gaming machines, A$10 million on table games and A$2.6 million playing Keno. Victorian gamblers lost A$2.6 billion on gaming machines in pubs and clubs, the highest spending in nine years, and A$1.1 billion on Crown Casino’s slot machines. The recently released figures have provoked criticism from several sectors of society, including the Salvation Army and problem gambling organisations.

In both states more money for problem gambling research and treatment has been requested. The Interchurch Gambling Taskforce in Victoria says the annual research budget of A$1.4 million is less than A$1 for every A$1000 in gaming machine revenue. In Tasmania only A$779,905 went to directly fund gambling services such as personal and family counselling, support groups and a telephone helpline. (E-10.30.08)

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