Gaming Venues to become ATM-Free Zones
Automatic teller machines (ATM) will be banned from Victorian gaming venues by 2012 as part of progressive new legislation to encourage responsible gambling across the state.
The new laws will also see pre-commitment capabilities mandated for gaming machines.
The pre-commitment system will assist people to take control of their gambling by giving them the option to pre-commit the amount of time and money they spend on gambling.
“Victoria is the only Australian state removing ATMs from gaming venues. This ban and the introduction of pre-commitment technology are key initiatives to tackle problem gambling,” Gaming Minister Tony Robinson said.
Mr Robinson said ATMs would be banned from all Victorian gaming venues and from within 50 metres of the Melbourne casino by 2012.
“Legislation requires pre-commitment capabilities for all next generation machines from 1 December 2010 and for all machines from 2013,” he said.
“A more stringent pre-commitment regime which links all gaming machines across the state will roll out from December 2015.
As part of the Taking Action on Problem Gambling strategy, the State Government has committed to funding a comprehensive range of easily accessible direct and online counselling and support tools and services.
“The Brumby Labor Government has also capped gaming machine density in vulnerable and at-risk communities, banned gaming machine advertising and restricting gaming machine signage and raised the penalties for allowing minors to gamble to a maximum fine of over $13,000,” Mr Robinson said.
“Victoria continues to lead the way on creating an innovative and responsive gaming industry, balancing the need to minimise gambling related harm, while allowing those who are able to gamble safely to do so.”
If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know please visit Problem Gambling Victoria