Cash-strapped families visiting clubs for a cheap night out are the reason for a rise in Queensland's pokies spending, industry insiders claim.
Figures show people gambled away a record $1.86 billion on gaming machines in the state's clubs and hotels last financial year.
That included $882 million lost in the first six months of this year - up from $859 million for the same period last year - despite measures the State Government claimed would limit spending on the pokies this year.
Some anti-betting campaigners blame the rising pokies splurge on people gambling to escape financial and other worries but Clubs Queensland chief Doug Flockhart said most people punted responsibly.
He believed more people were playing the pokies as a result of a change in dining habits as people eat out at local clubs instead of taking the family to a more expensive restaurant.
''We've seen a significant increase in food and beverage sales in community clubs,'' he said. ''Maybe, as part of the economy, people are redirecting their entertainment habits.
''Mum, dad and a couple of kids can have a night out (at a club) and it might cost $60, instead of $150, and therefore there is room in their budget to maybe put $20 on a machine, if that's their inkling.''
With latest figures showing increased spending on the pokies - despite a cap on the number of machines and reduced gaming hours - the State Government has announced a review of controls on the industry.
Tourism and Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said yesterday he would consider all options, including imposing new restrictions. He said that could include a further rollout of card-based gaming, which allows players to pre-set the amount they are prepared to gamble. (Credit: The Courier-Mail)
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