Gamblers call addiction hotline for help setting u...

Calls to Centacare's gambling helpline have spiked since Queensland TAB areas and pokies were switched off in March because of the coronavirus lockdown — but not because people were seeking help.

Key points: A gambling addiction support helpline has been receiving accidental calls from people seeking tech support for gambling onlineOverall the helpline has received fewer calls during the pandemic than during the same time last yearThere are concerns that gamblers have turned to unregulated online gambling options during the period

When gaming rooms were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, gamblers turned to other methods of betting.

"They were calling to get help to set up their online gaming accounts," Centacare North Queensland's head of gambling, Emma Every, said.

"They weren't aware that the gambling hotline is actually for people wanting to seek help from problem gambling.

"Some focused their time away from gambling and others turned to online gambling, scratchies, and informal forms of gambling."

Despite the increase in misdirected calls, Gambling Helpline received fewer calls overall during the pandemic.

"In April last year we had 645 calls, compared to April this year with 419 calls," Ms Every said.

Mount Isa gambling revenue plummets

Mount Isa gamblers spent $69,000 per day on average last year through electronic gambling machines.

Since the pandemic, gaming rooms have predicted a loss of $7.5 million in revenue from the area's 443 pokies.

Ms Every said the predicted million-dollar figure excluded TAB, Keno and any other form of betting.

Find more local news Lights out for Mount Isa pokies, with Irish Club general manager expecting its gaming room to open in July.(ABC North West Queensland: Kemii Maguire)

Mount Isa Irish Club general manager, Bernard Gillic, said the community-run club might have fewer funds to put back in the community because of the COVID-19 restrictions.

"All of our revenue goes to the community, so even if it's not in Mount Isa — it might be a rodeo in Boulia — we're always giving out money to these things to try and remind everyone that this is where it [gambling revenue] goes," Mr Gillic said.

"Gambling does get a lot of bad press, but I think that's more because some people have a problem with it and that's a genuine concern for every club — no one wants someone in here losing their life savings."

If you or anyone you know needs help:

Mr Gillic said with in-person gambling off the table during COVID-19, he was concerned more people had turned to unregulated online gambling options.

At this stage, the Queensland Government is expected to allow gaming rooms to reopen on July 10.

Ms Every said Centacare was preparing the six gaming rooms in Mount Isa with helpline resources.

"We would like to remind family and friends that are affected by gambling to also seek our confidential services," she said.