There would almost certainly be a public and political outcry, with extra effort to minimise the direct and the collateral damage caused by a highly addictive substance.

Why then are Australians able to lose $12 billion a year on Pokie machines, with relatively little comment? And why is the industry so little regulated? That’s the question explored in ‘Ka-Ching! Pokie Nation’ a new film, screened at the National Theatre on Thursday.

The film used a mix of personal stories and interviews with leading neuro-scientists to explore the highly addictive nature of Pokie machines.

The documentary seeks to understand “why at a very deep neurological level [machines] basically get in your head,” says Kate Roberts, Chairperson of Gambling Impact Society NSW (GIS).

Ms Roberts says new research reveals machines to be “as addictive as cocaine,” a contrast to past models of understanding the addiction which have placed the responsibility for safe gambling on the gambler, rather than the machines. Ms Roberts also highlighted that within the continuum of Pokie use, “there’s a lot of harm happening at the lower end.”

The film-makers speak to various members of the gaming industry, including the manager of a major club in Sydney, a game designer and a game programmer to explore the science behind the machines.

Public figures, such as Peter Garrett and Tim Costello add their voice to the debate.

A small group of people attended the screening, which was followed by a panel discussion. Those attending included Justin Field, Greens member of the NSW Legislative Council and representatives from GIS.

“One in 10 poker machines worldwide are here in NSW and we lose more money per person each year than any other state in Australia – clearly we have a problem,” said Mr Field in the wake of the screening.

“We need to continue the community  conversation and demand that Governments puts people before pokies and helps protect people and families from gambling-related harm,” he said.

The most recent statistics, purchased from NSW Liquor and Gaming by the Australian Greens, reveal gaming machines made $16,719,642 profit in the Palerang/Goulburn-Mulwaree region over 2015-16. The figure covered six premises and 364 electronic gaming machines. 

The screening was an initiative of the Braidwood Greens Party, in conjunction with Gambling Impact Society, NSW.