The government of Victoria in Australia wants to increase ways to avoid problem gambling in the state. It is seeking to limit the amount of money available daily to individuals by banning ATMs near gaming venues that do not limit withdrawals to A$400 per day. Gaming venues will not be able to cash more than one cheque a day totalling A$400.

The Minister for Gaming in Victoria, Tony Robinson, says that the proposed amendments to gaming legislation would implement the government’s commitment to tackle problem gambling. The changes to the law also mean that all gaming venues must have a Code of Conduct for Responsible Gambling in place, including approved self-exclusion programmes monitored by the Victorian Commission for Gaming Regulation.

One local councillor has already described the government amendments to gaming regulations as a step forward but believes the A$400 daily limit cannot help people whose income is less than that. Steve Beardon suggests an A$50 limit would be more reasonable. He also takes issue with the self-exclusion programme on the grounds that it is too hard to police in order to ensure its success.

A pre-commitment card is the way forward, according to the councillor. He wants to stop slot machines from accepting cash and introduce the cards, which would record the amount of money spent on each machine used and allow for a limit to be set. Under the proposed bill the restrictions on ATMs will not come into force until 1 January 2010. (E-11.08.07)

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