Game over: Why Member for Cairns, Michael Healy, is opposed to pokies increase

A Far North MP is calling on Premier David Crisafulli to pull the plug on new pokies with updated regulations set to lead to more “one-armed bandits” in regional communities.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy says that the damage caused by an increase in pokies far outweighs the beneifts. pic: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

A Far North MP is calling on Premier David Crisafulli to pull the plug on new pokies with updated regulations set to lead to more “one-armed bandits” in regional communities.

The state government earlier this month announced that clubs licensed to operate multiple premises could now run up to 200 more machines across their venues, increasing the total number from 500 to 700 electronic gaming machines (EGMs).

Electronic gaming machine increases the strain on vulnerable Queenslanders’ already tight budgets, Mr Healy says.

But Member for Cairns Michael Healy said at-risk gamblers were poised to be the biggest losers with clubs set to cash-in on bettors’ misery.

“This is a solution crafted by lobbyists, not by locals,” Mr Healy said. “It is simply devoid of any action to protect families and our community from problem gamblers.

“What’s being sold as a lifeline for small clubs is really a green light for bigger operators to dominate the industry — and profit off hardship.”

Queensland currently has more than 45,000 pokies with the number set to increase.

Mr Healy, who addressed parliament earlier this year calling out the repercussions problem gambling has on communities, said Queensland needed to follow in the footsteps of other states and introduce laws to minimise harm caused by gambling.

“These machines are designed to extract maximum spend from people who can least afford it,” he said.

“We need to move past the old rhetoric of ‘responsible gambling’ and take real action.

“Technology exists to help people set limits, track their spending and stay in control — but none of that’s part of this policy.”

More pokies will ensure regional Queensland clubs remain viable, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington says. Picture: Dan Peled / NewsWire

Boosting the number of EGMs would ensure smaller venues and services weren’t lost, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said.

“Queensland’s clubs provide a place for social interactions, including in rural and remote locations, and they generate significant economic activity for our State,” Ms Frecklington said.

“This commitment has been informed by feedback from key stakeholders including Clubs Queensland and the RSL and Services Clubs Association and it will provide an incentive for larger and more experienced clubs to step in and save smaller operators and preserve club facilities for local communities.”

An average of 12 clubs have shut down each year over the past decade, Ms Frecklington said.

“(This) also encourages the development of new club facilities in greenfield areas that might otherwise go without club facilities,” she said.

Mr Healy called on Premier David Crisafulli to find other ways to help smaller Queensland venues keep their doors open.

“Real support for small clubs means helping them diversify and stay open — without relying on poker machines and those with a gambling problem to survive,” he said.

Queensland currently has 45,884 electronic gambling machines according to the Office of Liquor and Gaming.

Originally published as Game over: Why Member for Cairns, Michael Healy, is opposed to pokies increase