No more pokies for Queensland

Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
30/11/2009
No more pokies for Queensland

A new scheme that will provide incentives for clubs to reduce the number of poker machines was today launched, following legislative amendments to the Gaming Machine Act 1991.

Minister responsible for gaming, Peter Lawlor MP, today unveiled the new market-driven scheme, which allows Queensland clubs to transfer and sell gaming machine entitlements from 30 November 2009.

"The new scheme will mean no new pokies for Queensland, but greater incentives for community clubs to reduce their number of machines," said Minister Lawlor.

"This industry initiative allows clubs to trade gaming machine entitlements, under an existing State-wide cap set last year at 24,705."

"The scheme offers an alternative revenue stream to clubs, where instead of operating gaming machines themselves, they can lease out entitlements to other clubs."

Under the legislation, all existing clubs with gaming approvals in Queensland will be provided with a number of entitlem ents for the gaming machines they operate.

Clubs will then have the ability to trade these entitlements with other clubs on either a permanent or temporary basis.

"The pokies cap and reallocation scheme are part of a range of reforms introduced to reduce problem gambling in Queensland," said Minister Lawlor.

"In addition to the scheme, the Bligh Government has launched a new social awareness campaign for low and moderate risk gamblers, trialled and approved card-based gaming and passed legislation to introduce mandatory Responsible Service of Gambling training for gaming staff.

"The Bligh Government remains committed to reducing harm in the gaming industry."