Aussie deaths linked to problem gambling

A Victorian coronial report shows 128 people have taken own lives in the past decade over problem gambling.

(AAP)

Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello is calling for an overhaul of the pokies industry after a Victorian coronial report revealed deaths linked to problem gambling.

State Coroner Judge Ian Gray released figures to the Herald Sun showing problem gambling was a contributing factor in 128 suicides in the past decade.

The Coroners Prevention Unit report, which collates figures based on reports by police or from coronial investigations in Victoria from January 2000-December 2012, also shows pokies gambling represents the biggest problem.

The figures also note two murder-suicides involved men with major gambling problems.

Mr Costello, who's the chairman of the Australian Churches Gambling Taskforce, told the newspaper lives could be saved if government policy changed.

"These are deaths directly related to gaming policy, particularly allowing pokies to spread everywhere," Mr Costello said.

*Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.