While there were loads of reasons to dislike the lengthly lockdown that was introduced in Victoria, there are a few silver linings.
A new report, which examined how the lockdown measures managed to lift some people above the poverty line amid the pandemic, found Victorians saved a whopping $225 million a month on the pokies while they were shut during the state's restrictions.
The report was carried out by RMIT and the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS), and also found that the JobSeeker Coronavirus Supplement and the JobKeeper wage subsidy was successful in reducing financial stress for much of the country.
Alliance for Gambling Reform Chief Advocate, the Reverend Tim Costello, said that the massive savings made by Victorians in just four months was evidence of the financial influence poker machines have on the community and economy.
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"It has been awful reading about the lives lost to COVID-19 around Australia, and especially the devastating spikes in Victoria, and my heart goes out to the people affected," Rev Costello said.
"We also feel tremendously deeply for the Victorians who have lost their jobs through this dire crisis.
"But we have experienced a silver lining in all this -- the shutdown of poker machines in Victoria has undoubtedly improved lives for many people for the better, and perhaps even saved lives."
This trend wasn't just seen in Victoria during the coronavirus pandemic. The rest of Australia saved millions of dollars every day in money that otherwise would have gone to casinos.
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A study that was released earlier this year revealed that the casino industry lost a whopping $14.2 million every day amid the pandemic.
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.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: covid, News, Australia