Losses in four council areas – Wodonga, Wangaratta, Alpine and Benalla – were $14,890,297 from July to December.

Perhaps surprisingly, Benalla topped the list with $5.6 million in losses, and Wangaratta topped Wodonga with $4.2 million and $3.8 million lost respectively.

According to Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation chief executive Serge Sardo, a smaller number of people are gambling more.

The percentage of gamblers who don’t yet have a problem – but have a high risk of developing serious issues – is growing.

And the problem with gambling addiction is not just financial; Mr Sardo said it impacts nearly every aspect of a person’s life.

“It’s emotion, it can impact their relationships, their work and their family,” he said.

“Gambling problems can be very harmful.

“Usually you will get another five people that are impacted by every problem gambler, so the ripple effects are spread quite widely.”

In the 2014-15 financial year, gamblers put close to $730 million through the 1220 machines in the Albury region.

But the NSW figures do not show the amount lost through the machines.

Gambling addiction counsellor Kaily Goodsell of St David’s Care said the average problem gambler in the region lost about $2000 a week.

Many don’t seek help until they have hit rock bottom and find themselves in massive debt, often at the expense of relationships.

She said she knew a Border punter who had lost between $300,000 and $400,000 through gambling.

“We’re seeing more people in need of help,” Ms Goodsell said.

“I think that’s because there are more gamblers, probably because the way people access gambling is so broad now.

“You can be sitting at work or at the dinner table gambling.

“That’s the way things are now with smart devices.”

She said the service gave support to 33 problem gamblers last week. 

“It is a high figure,” Ms Goodsell said. 

“We have a lot of phone calls where people instantly hang up. 

“People often need to build up the courage to make the first contact but if they do come in, they've got a pretty high success rate.”

Those seeking help can contact the following support services.