“Over the course of just 31 days in December, Victorians lost over $250 million to poker machines.

“This is by far the most money lost to poker machines in a single month ever – a record that should never have been broken.

“This comes right before January where another $222 million was lost. It is a sobering reminder of just how dangerous this predatory industry is to our safety and wellbeing.

“Many of the LGAs with the highest losses are also some of the most stressed communities in our state. Families from Brimbank to Dandenong are being shamelessly preyed on by corporations looking to make a quick buck.

“Yes, people are waking up to the harm being done by this predatory industry. Yes, the Victorian Government has committed to first steps in holding Crown accountable. But what about the hundreds of millions lost every month in pubs and clubs? What action is being taken to address this crisis?

“Harm prevention measures like universal pre-commitment, reduced opening hours and abolishing losses disguised as wins would have a significant impact in reducing these losses and the harm felt in our state.

“We also need well-resourced educational campaigns aimed at bringing awareness to this ongoing crisis. If we are to successfully reduce the harm being caused by poker machines we need to bring the community along with us.”