With the deadline for poker machine reform closely approaching, gaming club owners must look for new ways to generate funds. For years, they have depended on the profits that pokies have provided in order to help keep their businesses afloat and reform will certainly cut into their revenue streams.

While some operators are preparing to accommodate the provisions that reform will require, others are giving up on the gambling business altogether. According to the Gympie Times, Freemasons Hotel, which operates a number of pokies, has decided to surrender its pokies license. It was back in December 2012 that the hotel decided to surrender its license.

Today, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation confirms that the pokies at the venue no longer work. The owners of the venue have refused to comment on the situation, sparking a conversation among locals about why the hotel has chosen to go this route. There are a number of reasons why this is the case, and pokie reform is likely a catalyst.

Several gaming venue owners have decided focus less on pokies and pay more attention to other aspects of their operations. Food, cocktails, live music and event nights are all ways to generate interest and attract visitors without encouraging gambling among locals. This shift in focus also promotes more culture-based entertainment.

Although gambling has been a popular pastime in Australia and New Zealand for quite some time, politicians believe that it is more beneficial to offer more diversity in terms of the types of entertainment that are available to residents and tourists. So, pokie reform will not only help to reduce problem gambling rates across the country; it will also re-introduce other forms of popular entertainment into the local culture.

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.