Poker machine king Bruce Mathieson wins

BILLIONAIRE pokies king Bruce Mathieson is bracing for the loss of up to 2000 machines under a Brumby Government industry crackdown.

But a decision to hand pokies venues a greater share of profits means he will still become even richer.

Gaming Minister Tony Robinson has revealed the Government is investigating laws to prevent Mr Mathieson from owning or managing more than 35 per cent — or 4813 — of the state’s pub pokies beyond 2012.

The powerful hotel baron, who now controls 6768 machines in partnership with supermarket giant Woolworths, will also be stopped from owning, managing or associating himself with pokies in sporting and community clubs.

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