New data published by the NSW Greens has revealed that the Central Coast region has one of the highest propensities for gambling in all of NSW.
According to the data, the Central Coast had a turnover rate of $3,038,303,483.70, with a profit at 90 per cent turnover rate from machines valued at $303,830,348.31.
The data lists the total net profit from machines as $261,790,831.05.
Other statistics of note for the region included having the second highest number of electronic gaming machines (EGM) in the state at 4,687, just behind the Canterbury Bankstown LGA at 4,844.
The Coast also recorded the third highest amount of premises where one could access an EGM at 70, just behind the Inner West and Sydney at 75 and 193 respectively.
“The NSW Government has lost control of a run-away pokies industry with a record $80.33 billion pumped though poker machines in the state’s hotels and clubs in 2017,” Greens MP and Gambling Harm spokesperson, Mr Justin Field, said.
“The new figures purchased from the government by the Greens show the extent of harm caused by poker machines in the community,” he said.
“Poker machines are designed for addiction and to strip billions a year from the NSW community.
“This is money taken out of people’s pockets and away from the benefit of families, communities and local businesses.
“The cost of poker machines is not only financial, these addictive machines ruin the lives of individuals and families.
“The NSW Liberal/Nationals must act urgently to protect people and communities from gambling harm, rather than protecting the vested interests of the industry.
“The Government must remove dangerous features of poker machines, introduce $1 maximum bets, and cap the losses that the community faces from these addictive machines,” Mr Field said.
Source:
Media release, Jan 24
Jane Garcia, Office of Justin Field MP