Gold Coast second casino: Gold Coast gets more pokies approved for city despite politician promises for no more

Gold Coast pokie numbers keep climbing despite State Government promising no increase for a new gaming resort — prompting the Opposition to say Labor is “addicted” to them.

GOLD Coast pokie numbers keep climbing despite State Government promising no increase for a new gaming resort — prompting the Opposition to say Labor is “addicted” to them.

Another nine electronic gaming machines (EGMs) have been approved for Gold Coast pubs and clubs, latest Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation figures show.

MORE POKIES APPLICATIONS BEING CONSIDERED FOR COAST

More pokies have been approved to enter the Coast. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

That means an extra 99 EGMs added since August when Tourism Minister Kate Jones promised “no more pokies” for a proposed Global Tourism Hub, now open to registrations of interest.

Pokie numbers in pubs and clubs soared through 6000 for the first time in January, prompting Gold Coast Opposition MP David Crisafulli to call it an increase “via stealth”.

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Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones promised no more pokies would end up at the Coast. Pics Tara Croser.

Opposition leader Deb Frecklington slammed the latest rise: “I don’t believe Labor have ever had any intention of keeping that promise. We know the reason why they are continuing to increase pokies — because they are addicted to the taxes and revenue from it.

“How can they keep on reassuring people there will be no more pokies when there clearly are. You have Kate Jones trying to convince people if there is a glitzy new casino there won’t be any more but it’s not true.”

Ms Frecklington said her party would stop rising pokie numbers: “Absolutely, we can halt increases.”

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Ms Frecklington said her party would stop rising pokie numbers: “Absolutely, we can halt increases.” Picture: Zak Simmonds

Mr Crisafulli said he was “gobsmacked by the arrogance or sheer incompetence”.

“Surely the Attorney-General or Minister for Tourism would walk in and say enough is enough,” he said.

“The community has demanded no more pokies yet we get this slow moving creep towards slot machine city.

“It’s the ultimate pokie hokey but what’s getting shaken about is the Gold Coast reputation as a great place to live.”

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Ms Jones: “I stand by my comments at estimates that no new pokie machine licences would be created for a GTH.”

Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said: “The Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming assesses applications independently, on merit and within the existing statewide caps and available licences. The Attorney-General does not make decisions about applications.”

Ms Frecklington said the responses were “Yes Minister” answers which showed “how out of touch they are”.

Star Entertain Group CEO Matt Bekier said earlier this month the city had reached saturation point with pokies.

The Star at Broadbeach has 1600 pokies while pubs and clubs have 6070 approved.

Clubs Queensland acknowledges venues can on-sell pokies to any incoming operator.