Queenslanders are losing big on poker machines, losing more than $250m a month, which represents a jump of up to 33% on losses compared to 12 months ago, the chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Rev. Tim Costello, said.

Rev. Costello expressed his concerns about the level of losses across Queensland as the State Government has urged people to start a conversation about gambling as part of Gambling Harm Awareness Week (18-24 July).

Analysis released by the Alliance today showed that Queensland poker machine losses in June 2022 were $253m, compared to $216m (+ 17%) in June 2021 and $195m (+ 30%) in June 2019.

Last financial year Queensland poker machine losses totaled $2.789 billion.

“In Brisbane alone gamblers lost $52 million on poker machines last month – that represents more than $71,500 an hour. You simply can’t take this much money out of a community, out of family budgets and for it not have a profound social impact,” Rev. Costello said.

“Australians lose more on poker machines per head of population than any other country, we are by far the biggest losers on poker machines – losing $15 billion a year.

“Gambling Harm Awareness Week is an opportunity to talk about the harm gambling does in our community and demand that governments take greater action to curb this predatory industry.”

Tim Costello is available for interview