The amount of money punted away on electronic gaming machines in Wyndham has increased in the last 12 months.
According to new data, Wyndham residents spent $132.3 million on EGMs between July 2024 and June 2025 — up $7.1m from the 2023 -2024 financial year.
Settlement Service International (SSI) head of community wellbeing and health Rose Vearing said several factors contribute to areas becoming gambling hotspots.
SSI provides culturally informed gambling support.
“In many areas, gambling is normalised through cultural or social practices, local advertising, and venue promotions, reinforcing its presence in daily life,” Ms Vearing said.
“Proximity to shopping centres, transport hubs, and densely populated residential zones further increases accessibility and foot traffic.
“These factors are compounded by the presence of vulnerable populations experiencing financial stress, mental health issues or social isolation.”
The spread of gaming venues and facilities can be hard to stop, much less reverse, she said.
“Inadequate regulation and local government limitations in controlling venue numbers or machine caps often mean that once a region becomes saturated, it is difficult to reverse the trend.”
However, relying solely on data from EGMs may not paint an accurate picture.
“As online gambling continues to rise, even areas with fewer physical venues may still experience significant gambling harm,” Ms Vearing said.
Ms Vearing said a comprehensive approach is needed to reduce gambling in high risk areas like Wyndham.
“Limiting the accessibility and concentration of gambling venues, particularly electronic gaming machines (EGMs), through tighter planning controls and caps in vulnerable areas is critical.
“Local councils should be given more authority to make planning decisions that prioritise community wellbeing.
“Equally important is the expansion of alternative recreational and social activities to provide healthier, more inclusive spaces for social connection.”
Financial education services in multiple languages are also a must, according to Ms Vearing.
“These services must be visible, local and delivered in languages and formats that resonate with the community.”
She also flagged public education campaigns led by people with lived experience as a crucial first step in de-stigmaising seeking help.
“Restrictions on gambling advertising and promotions, particularly in public spaces and near transport hubs are also key to reducing exposure.”
