A Gippsland health service has welcomed gambling reforms as statistics showed Gippslanders lost $154 million to pokies in the past financial year.

The new laws, introduced by the state government last week, followed Gambling Harm Awareness Week.
Latrobe Community Health Service gambler's help team leader Chipo Chiyangwa said the landmark reforms were "a step in the right direction."
They included introduction of carded play on gaming machines in Victoria, requiring people to insert a player card to operate a gaming machine. This will allow players to set limits on how much they are willing to lose.
Under the reforms, the maximum amount of money that can be loaded onto a machine at a time will reduce from $1000 to $100, the spin rate of machines will slow down by 40 per cent, and gaming areas in hotels and clubs will have forced closure periods from 4am to 10am.
Ms Chiyangwa said LCHS welcomed any change that gave people back some control when it came to harmful gambling habits.
"This legislation offers important protections for people who use the pokies, and we hope they are the first of many changes introduced to help people reduce the time and money they spend on gambling," she said.
LCHS said an estimated 330,000 Victorians experienced harm because of gambling each year, with Ms Chiyangwa emphasising this extended beyond the person gambling, to their loved ones and communities.
"Gambling harm can look like huge financial debt, poor mental health and self-esteem, a breakdown in relationships, family violence and other issues like drinking and drug use," she said.
"It's important to remember that gambling isn't just about luck; gambling products and games are carefully designed to keep us coming back - often at a cost."
LCHS said the $154 million lost to electronic gaming machines in Gippsland in 12 months showed the new reforms were relevant to the region.
"Given these changes are being rolled out in a phased approach, we're asking our community to seek support now if they need it," Ms Chiyangwa said. "Simple ways to reduce your gambling include setting a limit on how much you spend, checking your gambling activity, or taking breaks from gambling for a set time - called self-exclusion."
If you or someone you love is impacted by gambling, Latrobe Community Health Service can help via a free and confidential counselling service for financial and mental wellbeing.
Call 1800 242 696 or email gamblingsupportservices@lchs.com.au to find out more.
Gambler's Helpline on 1800 858 858 also offers free and anonymous 24-hour assistance, with email support also offered by visiting gamblinghelponline.org.au