While New Zealanders are trying to reduce the number of pokies in the country, Australians are doing the complete opposite. According to a report in the Canberra Times, the Canberra Liberals have launched a campaign that would liberalise and expand the local gambling market by bringing new poker machines into the area. Canberra Liberals have announced their new gaming policy this week.

It will include introduce new poker machines into the suburbs of Molonglo and Gungahlin, as well as more poker machines throughout the capital city. As a result, the group’s new gaming policy will be adding a number of new pokies to the country rather than removing them – as problem gambling experts would have hoped.

Spokesperson Brendan Smyth has announced that the plan will liberalise the market by helping to make taxes for gaming club operators more manageable while ensure that the movement of poker machines between clubs is an easier process.

It seems to go against all of the responsible gambling initiatives that MP Andrew Wilkie and Senator Nick Xenophon have proposed; however, the Liberals are more focused on helping clubs survive rather than reduce problem gambling rates. The Liberals’ policy will also generate more tax revenue for the local government.

According to the group, the new policy will result in $36 million being handed to the Canberra government each year. The funds will then go towards the operations of a wide range of community programs, such as healthcare, education and sports initiatives. "Our already announced policy to review liquor licensing laws will give local clubs a liquor licensing framework that doesn't stifle business,” says Mr. Smyth.

''We will also make the system simpler to allow approved licensees to move machines between their own premises.'' As it stands, the local pokies market is danger of going under, as strict tax and liquor regulations have limited their business.

Clubs ACT is pleased with the announcement of the expansion; however, problem gambling advocates may not be thrilled to discover that the political group has planned to expand the gambling market while they are focused on curbing problem gambling rates and imposing betting limits.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.