Anti-gambling MP invests in pokie company – NEWS.com.au

A government MP who told federal parliament gambling is a "social curse" invested in one of the world's largest poker machine manufacturers.

Sarah Henderson's most recent register of interests - dated September 2016 - reveals the member for Corangamite's share portfolio included "Aristocrat Liesure (sic)".

Aristocrat Leisure, a $10 billion company listed on the ASX 100, operates in 90 countries making poker machines and digital games.

Ms Henderson last month told parliament gambling was a considerable issue for her electorate.

"Gambling is a social curse for many families where it runs rampant and causes enormous issues with family breakdown and with financial hardship," she said.

"We have all heard so many stories about families losing their homes, losing their livelihoods, getting caught up in illegal activity trying to repay their gambling debts and, of course, causing enormous damage to the family unit."

She made the comments during a debate on proposed amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act.

It is not known how much money the MP invested in Aristocrat, or whether she still holds shares in the company.

AAP has contacted Ms Henderson's Geelong office for comment.

The Victorian MP said her shareholdings "are detailed in my Register of Members' Interests as is required" in a brief statement to the Geelong Advertiser.

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Anti-gambling MP invests in pokie company - NEWS.com.au