Victoria’s residents reject casino system

Anti-gambling residents in Victoria rejected the plans to implement new casino machine systems.

Australia.- The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation is evaluating the introduction of new casino systems in local clubs’ slot machines. The government has put the document out for consultation a few months ago, which resulted in expressed rejection by strong anti-gambling groups.

The new slot system would work without cash by allowing players to charge money onto the tickets. The machine would only expend tickets with the amount of money, as well. Anti-gambling groups consider this modality could increase problem gambling among local residents.

“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,” Victorian InterChurch Gambling Taskforce spokesperson Mark Zirnsak commented to the Herald Sun.

Patrick Hutchens, a spokesperson for Gaming and Liquor Regulation responded: “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.”

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