Cashless gambling on poker machines proposed in Victoria

A MOVE to introduce cashless gambling on suburban poker machines in Victoria has been slammed by anti-gambling groups.

CASHLESS play could be introduced on suburban pokies machines in Victoria, prompting outrage from anti-gambling groups.

A ticket-in, ticket-out system, which will allow gamblers to load money onto barcoded paper and move to different machines, is being considered by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.

The proposed change was quietly put out for consultation this year.

But some fear the new system will help gamblers bypass $200 Eftpos limits at venues, and that few will cash in their tickets and thus lose any profit.

Victorian InterChurch Gambling Taskforce spokesman Mark Zirnsak said the move would be devastating for problem gamblers.

Cashless play could be introduced on suburban pokies machines in Victoria, prompting outrage from anti-gambling groups. Generic picture: Chris Pavlich

POKER MACHINE REFORMS SLAMMED BY ANTI-GAMBLING ADVOCATES

TAX OVERHAUL SET FOR POKIES

“Research shows this will drive up losses, and thus cause more gambling-related harm, such as divorces, people losing their homes, and mental health problems,’’ he said.

“The Productivity Commission identified the risks of cashless gambling — it can disguise the fact that people are losing real money, and may reinforce anonymous, intense and uninterrupted gambling.

“Allowing for cashless gambling on pokies is something the government should be stopping, not giving a green light to.”

Melbourne gamblers put $2.6 billion into slot machines last financial year.

Losses increased in Melbourne’s outer suburbs including the City of Casey, Dandenong, Whittlesea, Hume and Geelong.

The Victorian Government also proposed to overhaul tax from pokie machine owners which would see millions of dollars in extra revenue.

Patrick Hutchens, a spokesman for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Marlene Kairouz, said authorities were working to reduce gambling harm across the state.

“Cashless gaming has operated at Crown Casino for several years and we understand some pubs and clubs are interested in introducing this technology at their venues,’’ Mr Hutchens said.

“We’re currently considering appropriate harm minimisation measures for cashless gaming as part of our broader review of gaming machine regulations in Victoria.”

Greens gambling spokeswoman Colleen Hartland warned people would “lose massive amounts of money” if the change was introduced.

“It is just avoiding the move to get rid of ATMs in venues. This will just make it easier to gamble,” Ms Hartland said,

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