All new gaming machines in Victoria will allow players to preset the amount of money and time they spend gambling. Premier John Brumby says that this will reduce gambling related harm as problem gambling results when players lose control of how long and how often they gamble. Yesterday the Government of Victoria announced new initiatives that include reducing betting limits by half.

Maximum betting limits on gaming machines will be A$5 per spin and new warnings are to be posted on all machines. The fine for allowing minors to gamble will double to A$13,000. Opposition to the Brumby announcement has already been voiced, particularly in regard to the 2012 date set for the new regulations to take effect. Many of the changes were first planned in 2006.

Victoria’s existing gaming licensing agreements expire in 2012. John Brumby has said that Victoria will become the first Australian state to ban ATMs from gaming areas at that time. Gaming operators will be encouraged to remove ATMs before 2012 but present licensing regulations do not include the proposed initiatives to prevent problem gambling, and they can not be enforced before the new licences are granted. (E-03.26.08)

© Copyright 2008 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage