The eye-watering amount of money Victorians have lost on pokie machines

Victorians have lost $66 billion in the 30 years since pokie machines were introduced in the state.

Neil Mitchell says we’re stuck with them, given the tax revenue they raise for government.

“No government is going to give that up,” he said.

Anna Bardsley says she “lost 10 years of her life” to pokie machines and is now working with the Alliance for Gambling Reform.

She agrees they’re not going anywhere, as much as she’d like them all “thrown in the bay”, but has called for change.

She is advocating for the reduction in maximum bets allowed, reducing the spin rate and tougher regulation on opening hours.

Press PLAY below to hear her harrowing story

Picture: Getty iStock.