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Figures obtained from the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation have projected that Greater Dandenong residents will lose a projected $121.5 million in local venues this financial year.

The figures will mean that Greater Dandenong will be on track to surpass the record high losses from 2008/09.

Inga Peulich, State Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Communities said that the increase is a growing concern across Melbourne’s south-east.

“There was no doubt last year that Kevin Rudd’s economic cash handouts contributed to an increase in gaming expenditure in Greater Dandenong yet the downward trend that was expected by the Brumby Government has not eventuated,” Ms Peulich said.

“You know there is something wrong in Victoria when the rhetoric from the State Government has been that they are controlling the Gaming Industry, however Greater Dandenong is now projected to rise a staggering $25 million in gaming expenditure since 2003.”

“After a decade of neglect in Gaming across Victoria, the rise in gaming expenditure shows a government that is unable to manage the portfolio and the responsibility,” Ms Peulich said.

“The King of Spin, John Brumby must stop putting revenue and the increasing State Government debt ahead of his responsibility to Victorians and those whose lives are wrecked by problem gambling.”