Poker machine gambling is getting worse amid cost of living fears, say advocates who are calling for reform
Poker machines are "a dangerous product" like heroin and guns, according to gambling reform advocates, as post-pandemic gambling losses near record numbers in Queensland.
In the financial year to May, Queenslanders spent $4.2 billion on gambling, with fears economic uncertainty is making the problem worse.
More than half of that came from pokies at pubs and clubs, with $2.8 billion spent in the 12 months to June.
The numbers are among the highest ever recorded at the pokies, with Brisbane, Gold Coast and Moreton local government areas leading the pack.
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