Victoria to remove ATMs from gaming venues

“Today I can announce that the Government will remove ATMs from gaming venues by the end of 2012,” Mr Brumby said.

“Ready access to cash in a gaming venue can be a contributor to problem gambling and the Government is taking action to remove ATMs from gaming venues.

“On Monday of this week, I met with the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and informed him that the Victorian Government had decided to remove ATMs from gaming venues from the end of 2012 and I suggested other states should follow Victoria’s lead.

“The Government is continuing its deliberations on the gaming industry structure post 2012. There are a range of issues still to be finalised, and an announcement will be made in coming weeks.”

Limited exemptions may be available in small towns in regional Victoria, where there are very limited numbers of ATMs.

Mr Brumby said Victoria had led the way in tackling problem gambling, most particularly with the Government’s $132 million Taking Action on Problem Gambling strategy – the biggest problem gambling strategy in Australia.

Since 1999. the Victorian Government has:
· Introduced caps on gaming machines in 19 vulnerable communities;
· Eliminated 24-hour gaming venues outside the casino;
· Banned smoking in gaming machine areas;
· Banned autoplay facilities and put a freeze on spin rates;
· Limited access to cash in gaming venues;
· Restricted gaming venue signage and banning gaming machine advertising;
· Introduced a social and economic impact assessment of applications for more machines and new gaming venues;
· Launched the Think of What You’re Really Gambling With community education campaign; and
· Required hotel and club gaming machine winnings in excess of $1,000 to be paid by cheque.