Punter sets 40 pokies on fire at Beenleigh hotel

A disgruntled gambler has been charged after he allegedly set 40 pokie machines alight at a Logan hotel last night.

Police believe the 25-year-old man had been having a bet in the Beenleigh Royal before he returned with petrol about 8.40pm.

He then allegedly doused the machines and lit them on fire, destroying three and damaging 37 beyond repair due to chemical exposure.

"It just took off, it was pretty quick, everyone knows what happens when you throw unleaded on a fire – it went up, it was full on," witness Matt Downes told 9NEWS.

"You have a few bad days on the punt, but is it worth throwing petrol on it?"

The attack happened just after dinner was served at the hotel, and sent patrons and staff scattering.

The man was detained by security as he tried to leave, and police have since charged him with endangering particular property by fire.

No one was injured by the fire.

The damaged machines have been removed and the remaining ones were open for use by noon today.