The state of Victoria has taken the lead with regards to poker machine reforms in Australia. While the federal government has backed down from imposing new pokie restrictions, Victoria has implemented its own rules to help protect from gambling harm. Still, local Victoria city councils believe that more can be done to reduce problem gambling rates.

Recently, 14 councils across Victoria have called on the state government to impose stricter rules for poker machine applicants. City councils including Monash, Whittlesea and Yarra have suggested that any clubs or venues requesting new pokie must provide more compelling evidence that the games will not be a ‘detriment to the community’.

The movement comes shortly after Monash City Council went head-to-head with a hotel in Claton over new pokies. The venue wanted to add new gaming machines and council members opposed the increase of games. In the end, the council lost as the hotel was granted permission to install new games. Now, local councils want to make it unnecessary for council members to intervene in poker machine application processes.

They plan on making this possible by asking the state to enforce stricter application guidelines. As such, the state would have to take a closer look at the impact that new pokies would have on the local community and determine whether or not it would be worth it to increase gaming machine numbers. Local gaming manufacturers and club owner have opposed the plan, stating that there is enough gaming regulation in the state already.

It is true that Victoria imposes some of the strictest poker machine laws in Australia, and club owners doubt that any more guidelines need to be introduced. ''The level of regulation over gaming machines in Victoria is the most rigorous and stringent in Australia by a mile,'' says Brian Kearney of the Australian Hotels Association.

''Certainly from an industry point of view we believe that gaming in Victoria is safe and we are committed to complying with the law as it is”.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.