POKER machines across the Rose City have already swallowed up more than a $1 million this year.

The 237 gaming machines scattered throughout Warwick have taken a total of $1,115,961 for January and February.

March's figures are not included.

August was the biggest gambling month for the city last year, with close to $700,000 inserted into gaming machines.

The spike was short-live though, with the number dropping $100,000 the following month.

Last year more than $7 million was slotted into Warwick machines but experts say these figures are just the tip of the iceberg of gambling figures.

The explosion in mobile phone applications and internet reliance has pushed a lot of gambling underground, where it is not monitored.

A Southern Downs man, who didn't want to be named, said he loved "a punt" and thought pokies were becoming an outdated form of gambling.

"I will have a press if I am out somewhere at the weekend but it isn't something I would go out of my way to do," he said.

"I would much prefer to head to the TAB and have a bet or go online and bet on the footy.

"Pokies can get pretty boring, unless you have a win, and it is more fun to hang out with your mates and enjoy a bit of competition over which team is going to make it."

The man said he did believe the internet was making it easier for people to gamble.

"It is so easy now because you can find absolutely everything online," he said.

"If you don't know how to play poker or whatever, you just Google it, so kids can learn it really young," he said.

"Plus kids can get on to sites, pretend they're 18 and use their mum's credit card to play. It's scary really."

Toowoomba Gambling Help Service counsellor Lesley Spring has told the Daily News gambling affects people of all demographics and different types of gambling appealed to different personalities.

Get help now

If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, help is available.

•  Phone 1800 858 858.