How a COVID-19 ban on poker machines is pushing bored problem gamblers to online sites

A COVID-19 ban on poker machines is pushing bored problem gamblers towards online gaming sites like it’s the Melbourne Cup as Australians in financial distress withdraw their super.

New data from the Finder financial transactions app showed more money was likely to be spent on gambling in May 2020 than during November 2019.

It projected online gaming this month would be 14 per cent higher than the month in spring when a premier horse race stops the nation, if current trends continued.

In May so far, Australians have spent an average of $454 on online gambling sites like TAB, Sportsbet, The Lott, Ladbrokes and Bet365, based on data from 5,600 Finder app users.

This is 6.1 per cent higher than the $428 average gambled in November 2019 and 13 per cent higher than all of May last year, when punters wagered an average of $403.

Finder finance expert Kate Browne said the shutdown of pubs and clubs in March, to slow the spread of COVID-19, had seen problem gamblers turn to online sites out of boredom and anxiety.

‘It’s likely that there are people who would normally be gambling socially in pubs and clubs, and at the casino, who are now turning to online gambling while these venues were closed,’ she told Daily Mail Australia.

‘It would also be a case of boredom for some while in isolation, and also some would be feeling anxiety about their financial situation and turning to gambling hoping for a quick win.’

New data from the Finder financial transactions app showed more money was likely to be spent on gambling in May 2020 than during November 2019. It projected online gaming this month would be 14 per cent higher than the month in spring when a premier horse race stops the nation, if current trends continued. Pictured are punters at Flemington Racecourse watching the Melbourne Cup in November 2019

Financial Counselling Australia is worried about people wasting their savings on online gambling as those in COVID-19 distress are allowed to withdraw $10,000 from their superannuation by June 30 and another $10,000 by September 24.

Lauren Levin, the group’s director of policy and campaigns, said this had seen a new group of people try online gambling for the first time out of boredom and isolation.

Early super access is being allowed for those who have either lost their job because of coronavirus or have had their working hours slashed by 20 hours or more. 

Finder finance expert Kate Browne said the shutdown of pubs and clubs in March, to slow the spread of COVID-19, had seen problem gamblers turn to online sites out of boredom or anxiety

Problem gamblers with higher credit card debts are advised to consolidate their loans or ask their bank for a six-month repayment holiday.

‘The first thing you should do is talk to your financial institutions which all have financial hardship provisions in place and extra help during COVID-19,’ Ms Browne said.

‘They may be able to pause your loan repayments or switch your interest rates. 

‘You should also consider consolidating debt – there are some great interest-free balance transfer credit card deals on the market right now.’

Since May 15, pubs and clubs in New South Wales have been allowed to serve 10 customers provided they remained seated and ordered food at the table.

Poker machine rooms will remain closed when that number is raised to 50 from June 1. 

Ms Browne feared problem gamblers would continue going online as slot machines were banned for public health reasons.

‘The odds are against you and it can be more damaging to your situation if you’re already financially stressed. Gambling is not a solution and can make things worse,’ she said.

‘It’s concerning if people are looking to gambling to improve their financial situation.’

Those with a gambling addiction are urged to call the Gambling Help line on 1800 858 858