It has been revealed that gamblers in Queensland, Australia lost more than A$1.8 billion on poker machines during 2008. It is well known that gambling is increasing in Australia both in the online and the off-line markets. However, the A$1.8 billion loss is a substantial figure which equates to losses of A$3497 a minute or A$50 every second in 2008!
Statistics also revealed losses have touched A$5.03 million a day or A$424 for every person living in the state of Queensland. The state itself has around 41,000 poker machines active at any one time but despite the figure staying relatively stable throughout 2008, losses for punters were 5% higher than the corresponding period in 2007. Can this continue?
While 2008 was a year where the Queensland poker machine sector went very much against the local economy and the worldwide economy, the government is introducing a number of changes in 2009. Having recognised the potential problem with gamblers in the region there are a number of laws and regulations set to be introduced to combat the ever growing number of gamblers in the state.
While initially this would be a negative factor for the sector, the fact that more steady growth is likely is attracting both the online and off-line companies in the region who are keen to invest more into the industry.
It has been revealed that gamblers in Queensland, Australia lost more than A$1.8 billion on poker machines during 2008. It is well known that gambling is increasing in Australia both in the online and the off-line markets. However, the A$1.8 billion loss is a substantial figure which equates to losses of A$3497 a minute or A$50 every second in 2008!