Despite the due date being ‘mid-2022’, the $16 million Yarrabilba Tavern still has a long way to go before construction ends.
But that’s not the reason community members are protesting.
The McGuire Hotel Group-owned tavern is set to introduce about 50 poker machines and other gambling options into the community, and some residents are concerned.
Susan Alexander has started a private Facebook group to spread awareness about the affects the pokies could have on the community.
“I don’t have an issue with gambling or the new pub for that matter, I just want the community to be aware that there is more to the issue of pokies than just entertainment,” she said.
“I started the group because I want to see a discussion happening about how to help those who will be impacted in a negative way, and I believe the community needs more structures in place to help those vulnerable people.”
In July 2021, the Queensland Government launched a four-year gambling harm minimisation plan.
This was brought on by an unprecedented growth in pokie revenue after Covid lockdowns. After three months of lockdown, Queenslanders put over $292 million into pokies machines in a single month – a 31.5% increase from 2019.
The minimisation plan works closely with Queensland’s gambling industry and gambling help services, promising early intervention and prevention, consumer protection and help services for people experiencing problems with gambling.
However, stats show that statewide poker machine revenue rose to $301.8 million dollars this July.
Mrs Alexander believes Logan and other regions have a problem and young Yarrabilba residents are at risk.
“Pokies and gambling machines are designed to be addictive, they are designed to hook you in, it gives you the premise that if you keep going you might win big or win your money back,” she said.
“Young people are at a huge risk with gambling, those not yet addicted can become addicted quickly, and there is not a lot to do around here in Yarrabilba in terms of entertainment.”
Former gambling addict, Daniel Lord learned how to gamble when he was just a child.
“I started gambling at about 6 or 7 years old, mum used to show me and my sister the odds on the horse races using whatever was around the house, usually toothpicks and bottle caps,” he said.
“We would pick the horses usually by names and she would pay out using the toothpicks if we won and if we lost, she would keep them.”
Mr Lord said he realised he had a gambling problem when he lost $5000 on roulette in one bet.
“I realised I had a problem when I put $5000 on black in roulette and lost it, the first thing I thought was I can get it back in blackjack across the hall. My partner left me that night,” he said.
Mr Lord who is RSG (Responsible Service of Gaming) trained said the RSG need to do a better job.
“There is help out there for gambling addicts if they reach out, but the RSG should do their job and stop people from going overboard,” he said.
Mrs Alexander has been handing out flyers and talking to members of the community, receiving positive feedback.
If you feel you or a family member need help call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 . You can also find a list of Gamblers Anonymous meetings on www.gaaustralia.org.au
