Qld: Poker machine growth in Queensland out of control Oppn

AAP General News (Australia)
04-24-2000
Qld: Poker machine growth in Queensland out of control Oppn

BRISBANE, April 24 AAP - Gambling had reached epidemic proportions in Queensland because
there were too many poker machines, the Opposition said today.

"The number of poker machines in this state have more than doubled since Labor came
to office," Families Youth, Community and Disability Services spokesman Denver Beanland
said today.

"At the rate they're going, gaming machines will touch close on 40,000 by the end of
the current financial year. That will be a 150 per cent increase since Labor came to office."

The state government recently announced the number of poker machines would be capped
at 40 in hotels and 280 in clubs from July.

Treasurer David Hamill also said all forms of credit betting would be banned within
12 months and note acceptors on poker machines would be limited to $5, $10 and $20 denominations.

An industry code of practice, education programs, advertising guidelines and extra
funding to support services for problem gamblers would also be introduced.

Mr Beanland said Mr Hamill's "soothing words" has done nothing to reduce the number
of sites allowed to have poker machines.

He said gambling addiction in the state was now on a par with the illicit drugs use.

"Gambling has reached epidemic proportions in Queensland and urgent action is needed
in order to stop this situation from spiralling even further," Mr Beanland said.

AAP ch/it

KEYWORD: POKIES

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