Queensland faces backlash on poker machine changes

The Queensland government in Australia is facing a backlash from the state's Anglican church over reforms to allow easier betting on poker machines.
The changes to regulations include machines accepting A$50 ($43.91) and A$100 notes, enabling players to insert up to $200 at a time and also permitting venues to pay winners up to A$5000 in cash at a time.
The Anglican Church Southern Queensland's Social Responsibilities Committee says the changes will encourage addicts to keep feeding their addiction, local media reported.
Committee chairman, Reverend Dr Peter Catt, said the Queensland Government's reforms would have a negative effect on problem gamblers, by reducing harm minimization and leading to increased spending.
A spokesperson for the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation acknowledged gambling revenues contributed significantly, both economically and socially to the state, but said that the office was committed to providing support to reduce the impact of problem gambling.
Queensland Treasurer Tim Nicholls says gambling taxes were expected to reap more than $1 billion for the state in the financial year 2014/15.