(This is not an in depth post)
NSW had them well before anyone else – followed by the ACT
But it wasn’t until the 1990s before they arrived here.
All (well about 99%) of the pubs and clubs here in Victoria now have them
Before that (for some) ‘tripping’ across the state borders was the way to go
Bus loads went up and down the highways – train loads in one state
Weekends away were the thing!
I’ll admit back in the 1980s even we took the occasional Saturday drive up to Echuca/Moama – visiting the Rich River Country Club (as it was known then) for lunch plus the novelty of pulling the handle on the machine (as was the way then)
Then it all went a bit haywire
They now can be found in just about any suburb in Australia
It’s accepted that Australia has a problem with gambling on poker machines
Australia’s love affair with the pokies – 2015
except in WA where they are only allowed in a casino
.
Facts and figures from Western Australia – 2023
But it seems we weren’t the only ones doing some travelling over the border.
Here’s a video to watch – (not on YouTube) so anyone will be able to open it.
.
A little 1966 insight into why the Irish favoured a tiny island in the Irish Sea
https://www.rte.ie/archives/2021/0825/1242753-isle-of-man-gambling/
Still Waters 
Sigh. Having put them everywhere we are now trying to whittle the numbers down. With variable success.
I noticed years ago when visiting himself’s family in Queensland that there were pensioners excursions to a casino. Shudder.
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Casinos (with gambling) are becoming legal in every state. I have a daughter who is addicted. it’s not a good thing.
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I remember going on a ski weekend when I was 17. Those who were 21 went over the border to play the pokies. Those left went to a pub and I pretended to be 18. I don’t mind a flutter now and again but the mindless pressing of buttons isn’t the same as the old one armed bandit.
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I’ve only ever once played the pokeis, and then only for a brief few minutes, even though the hotel I was employed by at the time, as chef, had a pile of them lined up against a wall in one of the main areas. Pokies have never interested me.
I hope you’re enjoying a most pleasant weekend, Cathy…take care. 🙂
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I had no idea that they were so numerous there. Here most gambling takes place in casinos on Native land.
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