IT’S POKIE HOKEY

Opposition says no more as machine numbers climbing

GOLD Coast pokie machine numbers have jumped another nine, prompting Opposition MPs David Crisafulli (right) and Deb Frecklington to accuse State Government of breaking its promise.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones promised no more for a Global Tourism Hub but they have gone up 99 since.

“It’s the ultimate pokie hokey,” Mr Crisafulli said.

GOLD Coast pokie numbers keep climbing despite the 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.

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

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

Opposition leader Deb Frecklington slammed the latest rise: “I don’t believe Labor has ever had any intention of keeping that promise. We know the reason 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.”

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.”

Ms Jones said: “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 Entertainment Group CEO Matt Bekier said last month the city had reached saturation point with pokies.

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

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