POKER machine losses continue to do great harm across Ipswich – but some good is emerging from the pain, with more than $270,000 in grants delivered to local community groups through a gambling- funded program.
The money comes from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF), which uses a portion of gambling revenue – including pokies – to support Queensland’s not-for-profit organisations.
While the funding provides a lifeline to many, it also highlights the heavy social cost of gambling losses in the community.
Queenslanders are losing record amounts to poker machines. In the past year alone, players have lost $3.5 billion to gaming machines in pubs and clubs – equal to more than $9.5 million every day. That figure doesn’t include losses in casinos.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, losses have surged by 46 per cent. Areas with some of the lowest median household incomes are losing the most.
In Logan, a staggering $128,954 is lost per pokie machine every year. In Lockyer Valley, that figure is $111,556, and in Ipswich, it’s $101,876 per machine annually.
Despite this toll, some community groups are benefiting from grants funded by gambling losses.
In Ipswich West, four organisations received a total of $110,000, including Autism Queensland Brassall House, Guides Queensland North Ipswich Girl Guides, and the North Ipswich Child Care Centre.
Focal Community Living, a long-standing disability provider, also secured funding.
Chief Executive Officer Tanya Miller said: “The funding will help us to undertake much needed repairs to our community hub at 6 Canning Street.
“Focal is a 50-years-strong Ipswich disability provider, and we purchased and renovated the old North Ipswich Police Station to meet the needs of people with a disability in 2006.
“As an old building, it is again in need of love and attention to continue to meet community need into the future.”
Girl Guides Region Manager for Moogerah Penny Beer said it would go a long way in helping the North Ipswich Girl Guides.
“The funds will be used to undertake urgent maintenance and repair works to the building,” she said.
In the neighbouring Ipswich electorate, six organisations shared $123,938. Most of the recipients were sporting clubs, with grants helping fund new equipment, utility vehicles, grandstand seating and a disability ramp.
State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard welcomed the grants.
“The Gambling Community Benefit Fund is an important initiative that delivers funding to not-for-profit organisations so they can provide social and recreational services for their local community,” she said.
The GCBF distributes approximately $60 million annually – all sourced from gambling revenue.
While the grants offer critical support to community groups, they also reflect a deeper issue: some of Ipswich’s most important social services are being funded by the very activity that causes widespread financial and emotional harm.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, support is available. Call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
