COVID: Australian Poker Machines to Lose Up to $1.5 Billion

7.05.2020, 15:24

The coronavirus pandemic has forced all gambling establishments to close their doors to customers until further notice. So far, according to official data, gamblers managed to save up to $1.5 billion by not playing poker machines while places offering them were shut down. The Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR) stated that the closure of clubs and pubs alone resulted in a $1 billion decline in revenue. Casinos have accounted for the remaining $0.5 billion revenue loss.

After Australia Issued an Economic Stimulus, Its Online Gambling Revenue Rose by 67%

Reduction of Gambling Harm

Tim Costello, AGR’s chief advocate, said that the data indicates the astonishing significance that the poker machines have in Australia. He shared his thoughts on how such enormous sums could provide essential needs rather than serve gambling purposes. Costello mentioned that the funds exceeding $1 billion could instead provide food, cover medical costs, rent payments, debts, and other vital expenses.

Costello commented that beyond the personal and national financial benefits, closure of places with poker machines is beneficial for the sake of reducing harmful gambling addiction. Among the adverse effects of gambling, he named domestic violence, suicide cases, mental health issues, and homelessness. Costello claimed that a positive aspect of the situation is the fact that land-based gambling has had a minimal contribution to the current crisis.

Costello also supported the government’s decision to contribute $15,000 to each community club if they give up poker machines and redirect the funds to retain employees during this challenging period. Costello admitted that he believes that COVID-19 gave society a chance to reconsider the way its spending leisure time. He said that sporting clubs also have to consider serving the community without receiving finances through poker machines.

Anna Bardsley, a former poker machine player, and gambling reform advocate, shared that she knows plenty of examples of citizens who benefited from the closure of gambling facilities and establishments offering poker machines. Bardsley spoke about her conversation with a lady who would play poker machines regularly before the shutdown. The woman shared that for the first time in a long while she could afford to buy Easter eggs for her kids. Before, she would spend that money on gambling.

Bardsley admitted that she nearly cried when she heard that story. Poker machines can be causing dependency to the extent that a mother prioritized them over gifts for her kids for many years.

Online Gambling in Australia During COVID-19

Even though the closure of land-based facilities that offer poker machines seems to be beneficial, a lot of users seem to switch to online gambling.

The lockdown became a major stress-factor for citizens, causing loneliness and anxiety. Due to the growing number of people searching for a distraction while staying at home, online gambling has experienced a significant influx of users during the pandemic.

According to data collected by AlphaBeta Analytics and credit company Illion, the rate of Australians’ spending on online betting increased by 67% during the first week of April in comparison to regular weekly expenditures.