Crown Casino to increase pokies and gaming tables

The Crown Casino at Burswood has received permission to increase the number of electronic gaming machines and gaming tables.

The Gaming and Wagering Commission has approved an increase of 500 pokies over the next five years, and 100 extra gaming tables over the next four years.

The approval is subject to Crown Perth proceeding with the construction of a six star hotel at the complex.

The commission says it took a number of issues into consideration when making its decision, including the state's lower rate of problem gambling compared to other states and territories.

Upon completion, the casino will have a total of 2,500 electronic gaming machines and more than 300 gaming tables.

The social welfare charity Anglicare's Ian Carter says it is concerned by the approval.

But, he says he is relieved the Commission put some conditions in place.

"Importantly for WA, they're not poker machines, they're electronic gaming machines which are coming in which are slightly less addictive than poker machines and I think Crown initially wanted 130 gaming tables so there's less going in there," he said.

He says any expansion of gaming facilities is always concerning.

"I'm not trying to be the fun police here I'm just trying to be someone who thinks very carefully about the social consequences of issues of gambling and issues around family breakdown and poverty which it can bring it about," he said.

"At least this is continued, controlled expansion on a controlled environment within Western Australia."

Source: ABC News, 4 December 2012