The latest figures from Liquor and Gaming NSW cover only clubs, not pubs. It compares with about $10,000,000 lost at clubs between June and December 2020.

On average, each of Armidale's 267 poker machines in clubs netted $13,987 during the three-month period to May 31, 2021; which is below the state average of $16,207 per machine.

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Gambling losses skyrocketed across Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic once pokies were switched back on, including in the North West region.

Gamblers lost $20.6 million at both pubs and clubs in the last six months of 2020, about $10 million more than the six months prior.

Moneycare financial counsellor Noel Duffin said the statistics don't capture all the extra gambling that has happened since the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020.

"We are seeing recently an increase in demand for service," he said.

"What we're seeing at this in moment in time is an increase in online gambling, and COVID is probably a catalyst for that.

"People normally approach our service in times of financial stress, it's usually when things reach the end, people look for help."

"During COVID, a lot of the financial institutions were not proactive in their collection process ... and gave moratoriums that put things on hold for people for a period of three, six, nine months."

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But with the end to the lockdowns, problem gamblers have once again started reaching the end of their tether.

"Have I seen people who have lost their house because of their gambling addiction? Yes, I have. Have I seen people who've lost their business because of their gambling addiction? Yes, I have," he said.

"Gamblers come from all walks of life."

Mr Duffin urged people to seek help earlier, before they maxed out the credit card.

All told, NSW lost $1,058,161,169 through 65,289 machines, an average loss of $16,207 per machine.

Loss numbers are given as a net figure, subtracting winnings by punters from losses, to get net profit.

Liquor and Gaming NSW is set to finish crunching the data for pubs by next month.

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