Starting in the year 2010 there are going to be spending limits and time limits on the use of poker machines in Victoria. Gamblers will be able to set time and spending limits on the new poker machines.

Maximum bet limits will be cut in half from $10 to $5 per spin and there will also be a new advertising campaign that will target problem gamblers. The Gaming Minister, Tony Robinson says that both the time and spending limits options are to be voluntary.

"Well every machine will have an option where that's possible, whether or not that's mandated will depend in part upon the technical advice we get, said Robinson.

The leader of the opposition, Ted Baillieu says that the changes are a token gesture and that the government will not rake real measures to tackle problem gambling because it is reliant on the revenue.

Baillieu said, "If he's going to put a warning sign on poker machines, it ought to very clearly say, beware, you're going to lose your money and John Brumby's going to take it".






- 2008-03-25