New data reveals Hunter pubs, clubs and hotels saw a surge in poker machine revenue in the second half of 2020, despite fewer machines being in use due to pandemic restrictions.
The latest figures published by Liquor and Gaming NSW showed an almost 9 percent rise in pokie profits statewide compared to the same period in 2019.
Liquor and Gaming NSW also noted that venues were closed for ten weeks from March to May due to the pandemic lockdown, putting a significant damper on profits in that period.
But venues across the Hunter quickly bounced back, with profits leaping 92 percent from July to December against the pandemic-affected first half of the year.
Profits at Newcastle's clubs and hotels rose by over $40 million to over $87 million in the final six months of 2020.
Cessnock venues saw one of the biggest jumps in revenue, which rose by 112 percent.
