Clubs body OK pokies numbers creeping up

THE body for Gold Coast pubs and clubs says it is not bothered by rising pokie numbers in its venues but would have “far more concern” if a “mass injection” of 1600 were added for a rival new casino resort.

Approved pokies in city pubs and clubs have surged by 99 to 6070 since August when Tourism Minister Kate Jones promised no increases for a Global Tourism Hub now under consideration.

A further nine machines were approved in the past month, the Bulletin revealed yesterday, prompting Opposition MP David Crisafulli to call her promise “pokie hokey”.

But Clubs Queensland spokeswoman Laura Bos said the rise was a “response to natural business growth”.

“Clubs Queensland would be far more concerned if the Government increased machine numbers on the Gold Coast by 1600 which is the minimum required for a casino.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he didn’t take issue with Ms Jones sticking to her promise despite the new rises.

“They are within their rights to say no more pokies at the Global Tourism Hub. As the city grows the gradual increase in poker machines comes through the Office of Liquor and Gaming so politicians are not the decision makers there. I think other people are playing politics on that.

“The number of machines have matched the population growth. It is about the right number right now and as far as I am concerned the market will dictate,” Cr Tate said.