There have been many downsides to the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions that have been imposed on people across Australia.
While it might take years or even decades to financially recover, there is one upside.
During lockdown, Australians saved millions of dollars every day in money that otherwise would have gone to casinos.
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A new report has revealed the casino industry lost a whopping $14.2 million every day.
Australia was fifth on the list of places with the most affected casino industries, with America's Nevada topping the list with a daily loss of $46.1 million.
That was followed by Japan's Pachinko Market, which lost $30.6 million every day, Singapore came third with $26.6 million and Canada was fourth with $23.9 million.
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According to 9News, the study found Australia's 20 casinos collectively bring in around $7,152 every minute.
While Australians were staying away from casinos, it didn't mean they weren't gambling.
Data from NAB found that Aussies were spending 62.7 per cent more on gambling than the same time last year.
Interestingly, gambling sites in the UK were forced to stop for six weeks during lockdown.
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An Australian former gambling addict pleaded with Australians to avoid hitting the pokies when lockdown ended after figures showed we were saving around $38 million a day because pubs and clubs were closed.
Ben Hamilton told LADbible he was worried that people who were previously addicted to the pokies will reignite their habit now that venues have thrown open their doors to patrons.
"The medical experts warn us of a potential second wave [of coronavirus infections], but I strongly believe there will be an unprecedented wave of gambling, that will not stop until we implement some changes," Ben told us.
"People have been severely impacted by COVID-19. They have been hit hard financially, have been isolated and their mental and emotional health have been ravaged. These people are extremely vulnerable, and if they end up in front of a machine, it will be disastrous.
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"Then there are the people who were struggling with gambling addiction prior to COVID-19, who are either in denial, or are struggling through lack of support, and who are often targeted by the predatory gaming industry.
"They will sadly end up right where they left off, in front of a poker machine."
Ben is pleading with venues to keep their poker machines shut for as long as possible or get rid of them altogether. While that will be a financial burden on some establishments, Mr Hamilton said it's necessary to ensure people don't become addicted.
Featured Image Credit: PA