ATM Machines Banned at Gambling Halls in Victoria in 2012

Victoria is leading the way in an efoort to cut down on the amount of gambling taking place. Premier John Brumby announced ATM machines would no longer be allowed at places with poker machines starting in 2012.

The current gaming licenses expire in 2012, which makes that the date that the new laws would go into effect. The law would ban ATM machines from clubs or bars that offered video poker.

"A lot of Victorian problem gamblers and their families are going to suufer terribly in the four years until this government finally takes some minimal action towards dealing with the problem," said Michael O'Brien, opposition gaming spokesman.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had talks with Brumby on Monday. The talks led to the decision that barring ATM machines would cut down on problem gambling.

The hope is that other states in Australia follow the lead of Victoria. The idea, on the surface, appears to be a good one.

Anyone who wants to withdraw money to gamble would have to go to another location to do so. That time would give the gambler time to reconsider their decision to withdraw the money.

Club owners have asked Rudd to not make the rule a national one. So far there has been no decision on whether he was considering expanding the law outside of Victoria.

March 13, 2008
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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