A recent study has highlighted how areas with high Indigenous populations are being targeted with increased numbers of poker machines. This appears to be worsening social inequality in communities already dealing with low incomes, limited services and generational disadvantage. While these machines boost gambling revenue, they also contribute to harmful financial cycles, prompting calls for government intervention.
The independent analysis reviewed poker machine distribution nationwide. It found that local government areas where Indigenous people comprise at least 10% of the population tend to have 50% more poker machines than the national average. These areas also face higher gambling losses, with individuals losing around $700 each year, which is 20% above the national average. In regional centres such as Alice Springs, the density of machines has tripled in recent years due to increases in pubs and clubs.
The concentration is even more severe in parts of Cape York, where Indigenous people make up 50% of the population. Communities such as Mossman and Weipa now have one machine for every 30 to 45 residents, well above the national standard. Financial advocates report that a significant portion of personal income is being spent on poker machines, placing more pressure on families and further depleting community resources.
This pattern appears to reflect systemic targeting. Other studies have similarly found that gambling harm is more common among First Nations Australians. A national pilot program found that Indigenous people are more than twice as likely to experience gambling-related harm. Advocacy organisations are urging governments to introduce policy changes, including mandatory gambling cards that limit player losses and greater national oversight.
