By Amelia Ball and Ian Neubauer
Automatic Teller Machines will be banned from Victorian gaming venues when current licensing arrangements for the wagering and poker machine sectors expire on Jan 1, 2013.
Victorian Premier John Brumby announced the decision that followed talks with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who is expected to push other states to follow Victoria’s lead.
Brumby said ATMs in the Crown Casino complex, which has 2500 of Victoria’s 30,000 poker machines, would have to be relocated at least 50 metres from the nearest gaming area.
Under the new regime, exemptions will be granted for some small towns in regional Victoria, which argue that removing ATMs from the local hotel will cause excessive inconvenience for residents.
EFTPOS facilities will still be allowed at venues across the state.
AHA Victoria CEO Brian Kearney said the organisation is considering its options and will make an announcement in due course.