More than $1.3 million more has been lost at gaming venues across Baw Baw Shire in the last financial year.
Pokies losses for the Baw Baw local government area were $20.4 million in 2023-24, increasing to $21.7 million across four venues in the shire for 2024-25.
As year-on-year pokies losses worsen across all Gippsland local government areas for the 2024-25 year, Latrobe Community Health Service's Gambler's Help team is encouraging people to seek support to end gambling harm.
This week's Gambling Harm Awareness Week campaign 'set before you bet' highlights how setting limits can reduce someone's risk of experiencing gambling harm.
"This year, we want people to remember that gambling products are designed to keep you playing. The immersive nature of gambling can make it hard for people to keep track of how long they have been playing and how much they are spending," LCHS Gambler's Help team leader Chipo Chiyangwa said.
Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) data showed people in Gippsland lost $159 million to electronic gaming machines in 2024-2025, an increase from $154 million spent the year before.
"There are strategies people can use to stay in control, including setting a deposit limit, checking betting statements, setting reasonable time and money limits with the Your Play gaming card at venues, and taking regular breaks.
"Our events are designed to showcase these strategies and highlight the types of supports we have available to anyone concerned with their gambling habits," Ms Chiyangwa said.
A Gambler's Help team drop-in session will be held at Warragul Community House tomorrow (Wednesday) from 10.30am to 11.30am at 138 Normanby St.