Maroondah Leader: Pokies hotspot

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 18th of May, 2010

Despite ongoing Council concerns, the City of Maroondah now has the highest proportion of poker machines on a per capita basis for people aged over 18 years old.  This high proportion of poker machines has resulted in gamblers losing over $68 million dollars over the past financial year.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on these concerns:

The high ratio has been slammed by Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin.  ”This is extremely disappointing and something we want to see reversed,” Cr Makin said.

He said the council was opposed to any further machines in the area and in neighbouring municipalities.

Maroondah City Council has been a vocal opponent to the introduction of further poker machines in the municipality and neighbouring areas due to ongoing concerns over problem gambling. The current figures show that Maroondah has an excess number of machines and it is clear that a balance needs to be found between access and preventing ongoing financial losses and adverse community wellbeing.