GAMBLERS have spent upwards of $48 million having a slap on the pokies in the New England North West.
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Figures released by NSW Liquor and Gaming reveal Tamworth clubs and pubs alone made $15.9 million from punters in six months.
That's about $88,000 a day.
Centacare psychologist Tim Rawson runs the State Gambling Help Service for the New England North West area.
Gambling is a huge problem for our area and all over the country, he said.
"Looking at a problem gambler and someone who does it for fun, you can't tell the difference because it's in their experience," he said.
"The gambling gets out of control and there's these reoccurring thoughts and strong urges.
"That's usually followed by a gambling hangover when they realise they've spent a bunch of money they didn't anticipate on and have regrets about what that means for them financially."
Punters in the New England North West spent more money in clubs than pubs, $30 million compared to $12 million.
New figures from NSW Liquor and Gaming show gambling is declining across the state.
The level of gambling has fallen in the past eight years with just more than half of 10,000 people surveyed gambling in the past year.
That's compared to 65 per cent in 2011.
The survey showed gambling problems are most prevalent in young people, with those aged 18 to 24 more likely to be at risk.
That's because gambling activates the pleasure pathways in the brain, Mr Rawson said.
"That's part of addictive processes and so for some people those pleasure pathways keep reinforcing the behaviour, so ongoing it becomes out of control and more problematic," he said.
"Poker machine technology is meant to be alluring so it captures your attention, drags you in, the sounds and lights helps you lose track of time and gives the perception of near-wins that encourage you to play again and again.
"When really it's a lotto number with lots of pretty colours."
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Lotteries have proved the most popular form of gambling, followed by pokies, instant scratchies and race betting. Registered clubs and hotels are not permitted to operate pokies between 4am and 10am, according to Liquor and Gaming NSW regulation.
The shutdown limits the opportunity for continuous gaming and provides a break in playing.
Centacare offers free psychology services to problem gamblers and their families, Mr Rawson said.
"A lot of people don't seek help because there's a huge stigma attached to it," he said.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
