The Wire

Nearly one and a half billion dollars has stayed in the pockets and households of pokie gamblers, as a result of the lockdown of clubs and pubs.

Not only have people’s lives been improved, but the funds that would have flowed into pokie profits are being used to feed families, pay rent and utility bills. This can only help the economy in these difficult times.

The ACT government has introduced a scheme to support community clubs in surrendering poker licences in exchange for $15,000 per machine that must go towards retaining and supporting staff. In South Australia crossbench MPs are supporting a similar move.