Coast gamblers chasing losses

THE lure of the big link jackpots and instant wins has persuaded Fraser Coast residents to take a big punt on local poker machines.

Queensland Government statistics have revealed that local poker machine players have upped the ante by almost 33% in the first half of 2011 compared with the same period last year.

It means that every day $127,582 has been poured into the pokies — or an incredible $5315.92 every hour since the start of the year.

Figures provided by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR), show the stakes were highest in January with more than $4 million fed to the gaming machines.

In a bid to curb the gambling crisis, Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Paul Lucas said the Government had put in place a range of safety measures.

They include funding a face-to-face gambling help service, introducing a pre-10am ban on poker machine gambling, establishing a Responsible Gambling Advisory Committee and a Responsible Gambling code of practice.

“For most people, gambling is an enjoyable leisure and entertainment activity — most people who enjoy a punt on the pokies know their limits,” Mr Lucas said.

“But for some, gambling can develop into a serious problem that has a range of negative social, health and financial impacts.”