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Tougher Bans on Cash Machines in Gaming Venues
The Victorian Government will introduce new laws to extend the ban on automatic teller machines (ATMs) in gaming venues to apply to any cash access device that does not require the customer to interact with venue staff before withdrawing cash.
Minister for Gaming, Michael O'Brien said the Victorian Government had taken action in response to indications that new cash dispensing machines are being marketed to gaming venue operators, ahead of the ban on ATMs coming into effect on 1 July 2012.
"The Victorian Government will not allow the ban on ATMs in gaming venues to be undermined by new devices that may offer problem gamblers easy access to cash in venues," Mr O’Brien said.
"Because these devices are not technically ATMs, they are not caught by the existing ban. Unlike traditional EFTPOS machines, some of these new devices allow a person to initiate a cash transaction without interacting with venue staff."
"These changes are an important step to ensure a safer gaming environment for all patrons."
"We are announcing this impending legislative change now to give fair notice to venue operators and so there is more clarity on the types of cash access devices that will be permitted in gaming venues following the removal of ATMs."
"The ban on ATMs in gaming venues is an important part of the Victorian Government's strategy to minimise gambling-related harm and will stop any who might seek to work around the ATM ban in the legislation."
"These measures will provide patrons with an opportunity to take a break from gaming before accessing cash from an ATM or similar cash facility."
The Productivity Commission's 2010 Report into Gambling found that face-to-face interaction when making a withdrawal is less risky as it can deter problem gamblers from withdrawing large sums of money.