Data from the Tasmanian government shows that since the state election in March 2018, losses from gambling machines (also known as "slot machines") have exceeded 1.14 billion Australian dollars. A key issue in the 2018 election campaign was the removal of gambling machines from bars and clubs.
In Australia, millions of Australian dollars are lost to gambling activities each month. Annually, these losses amount to several billions, making Australia recognized as the country with the highest losses globally. Consequently, the Victorian government has implemented what is called "the strongest reform measures," which will completely change the state's gambling practices.
Australia, One of the Countries with the Highest Losses
Data from the Liquor and Gaming Commission shows that bars and clubs in Tasmania have lost a total of 687 million Australian dollars. Additionally, two casinos owned by the Federal Group—Wrest Point Casino in Hobart and Country Club Tasmania near Launceston—have lost over 448 million Australian dollars.
These casinos have a total of 988 gambling machines. The Federal Group's subsidiary, Vantage Hotel Group, is licensed to operate 360 gambling machines across its 12 hotels, but the data on related losses is not disclosed. The Federal Group, including its casinos and bars, owns over 40% of the gambling machines in the state.
According to data from the gambling regulatory authority, Tasmania's casinos and licensed venues have a total of 3,282 electronic gambling machines. These venues' gambling activities attract gamblers to lose about 500,000 Australian dollars daily.
The suburb of Glenorchy in Hobart has the highest losses from gambling machines. Data shows that since March 2018, the city has lost 125 million Australian dollars. The city has eight venues and 240 gambling machines. Two of the hotels are owned by the Endeavour Group, and four are owned by the Federal Group.
