Carlton and Essendon are among the four AFL clubs accused of “trading on people’s misery” as more than $40 million was sunk into club-owned poker machines in the past financial year.
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According to data from Victoria’s betting regulator, the Blues pocketed the most money off gamblers’ losses of all four clubs, while punters who played Essendon’s pokies lost the most per machine.
Carlton, Richmond, Essendon and St Kilda are the four remaining clubs that hold gaming licences in Victoria, amid mounting criticism from both the government and public.
Data from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission shows that gamblers lost $40.2 million across the 690 pokie machines operated by eight club-owned gaming venues last financial year.
