According to Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation statistics, that is a $1.4 million increase on the previous year's total.

Latrobe Community Health Service manager of counselling services Ann Briggs said problem gambling was an issue in Gippsland.

''If you have the data, there are problems,'' she said.

''There is a lot of money spent on gambling in this area.''

Ms Briggs said in recent months there had been a ''slight increase'' in the number of people seeking counselling, which coincided with a State Government campaign against problem gambling.

''It's about responsible gambling, and unfortunately some people can't do it,'' she said.

''It can have a devastating affect on families, from the family structure to the ability to pay bills.''

Ms Briggs said the first step to curbing problem gambling in Gippsland was to make people aware of what help was available.

''There are sites across Gippsland for problem gamblers, their partners and families to find the strategies they need to address and deal with the issue.''

Shadow Gaming Minister Michael O'Brien said the VCGR statistics showed of the $1.4 million increased losses in Wellington Shire, $760,000 _ or 55 per cent _ came in just three months of the Rudd cash splash months of December 2008 and April-May 2009.

''In the midst of an economic downturn, John Brumby and Kevin Rudd have made sure that pokie losses continue to soar,'' Mr O'Brien said.

''At a time when many Wellington families are finding it harder to make ends meet, the Brumby Government is laughing all the way to the bank thanks to record pokie losses.

''John Brumby is refusing to seriously tackle problem gambling because he is too dependent on gambling taxes to prop up his budget.''