Gaming

Queensland government's annual revenue from poker machines has dropped, possibly for the first time in history.

Seven men hunch over their poker chips, watching the cards flicking from the dealer's hand, ignoring the gyrating, lingerie-clad women on stage behind them.

Taxpayers short-changed, and there's no extra help for problem gamblers.

For 101 years the Clayfield Bowls Club has sat on a hilltop in one of Brisbane's best suburbs, 5985sq m of golden real estate money couldn't buy.
But money can buy it now and probably will.

No new poker machines will be allowed in Queensland for another two years.

The State Government is under fire after signing off on a plan for 200 more poker machines to be transferred to Logan.

Having more than 130 operating poker machines is not enough for Tewantin-Noosa RSL.

The club has applied to the State Government to install another 46 machines.

Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
30/03/2010

An online betting agency is targeting gamblers low on funds by offering them instant credit of $200 to induce them to spend more, amid renewed pressure to nationalise gambling laws.

NSW clubs have conceded that almost $800 million of their annual revenue could come from problem gamblers - a fact that is prompting renewed calls for a shake-up of poker machine laws.