BRIMBANK gamblers have again led the state in spending on poker machines, putting $136.4million through the slots in 2010.
That is slightly down on last year's spending of $136.9million. But the city's average expenditure of $981 for every adult is the third-highest rate in Victoria, well above the state average of $611.
Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation figures for 2010 show Brimbank's 953 machines pulled in an average of $143,000, netting $11.4million every month.
Deer Park Hotel led the way with $9.3million and Kealba close behind on $9million. Taylors Lakes Family Hotel pulled in almost $8.6million and Westend Market Hotel collected $8.1million.
David Curry, spokesman for Deer Park Hotel operator ALH, which controls 286 licensed venues across Australia, said the group had a code in place to tackle problem gambling in its venues. "This includes a commitment to responsible gambling."
Mr Curry pointed to the group's nine-point charter on responsible gambling and its use of a responsible gambling ambassador, former AFL star and reformed gambler David Schwartz.
Frontline management and staff are well versed in the code and co-operate with self-exclusion programs, he said, while internal and external audits are carried out to ensure the code is being effectively implemented.
However, Gamblers Help Western addictions program co-ordinator Paul Gibbs said while venues might have such guidelines in place, his service still attracted many people in deep trouble due to poker machine addiction.
Mr Gibbs said the human cost of problem gambling was quite high in an economically disadvantaged community like Brimbank.
"It has got to the problem gambling stage when people are borrowing money to gamble or prioritising gambling rather than paying bills or buying food," he said.
"It can lead to chronic health problems or family breakdowns. A lot of people feel themselves trapped in this cycle."
No age group or culture is free of problem gambling's clutches, he said.
Mr Gibbs said the expenditure figures hid the fact that much of the gambling turnover came from problem gamblers, who tended to experience the largest losses.
"Where the impact is the greatest, often people will go to extreme lengths to hide
that they are gambling and hide their losses," he said.
When problem gamblers borrow money to gamble, they move down a spiral into debt and financial ruin. Mr Gibbs said it was vital to break this cycle and do more than just try to stop the gambling.
"Treatment of gambling problems can be effective, but we also need to offer financial assistance and counselling to help people through," he said.
Gamblers Help Western is a free and confidential service.
Phone 92961234 or contact the Gamblers Help Line 1800858858.
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