Queensland has lifted the limit on the value of notes poker machines can accept in a move that the premier, Campbell Newman, says will have little impact on problem gamblers.
For the past 12 years, electronic gaming machines in the state’s pubs, clubs and casinos were restricted to accepting nothing larger than $20 notes.
Queensland’s attorney general, Jarrod Bleijie, has approved a change to allow $50 and $100 notes.
The move, lobbied by major casino owner Echo Entertainment, was condemned by charities and counselling services, which claim it will affect problem gamblers.
Newman told reporters the change would not have an impact on problem gamblers. “This is a change about the notes you can use – no changes to the limit,” he said.
“There’s a $100 limit, which puts a real lid in terms of problem gamblers.”
Newman says the limit in NSW is $10,000.
“We’ve got some tight controls here and we haven’t slackened them off.”
The lifting of the ban on $50 and $100 notes was among recommendations by a government-appointed expert panel that reviewed the state’s gambling laws and policies.
Controversial proposals being considered include doubling the maximum of each poker machine bet to $10 and allowing gaming at pubs and clubs before 10am.
The government is expected to release its full response next year.
