This week, the Victorian Government will begin a review of pokie entitlements in pubs and clubs across the state. Treasurer Michael O'Brien and Gaming Minister Edward O'Donohue have announced that the state is considering issuing an extension for pokie entitlements up to 25 years. Currently, the 27 000 poker machines located outside of Crown Melbourne have 10-year entitlements.

According to The Age, club and pub owners are not happy with this deal, stating that they have a difficult time securing funding due to the short entitlement terms. Paddy O'Sullivan of the Australian Hotels Association claims that the short term prevents venues from effectively planning for the future of their businesses.

The review will take two weeks to complete, as local politicians determine whether pokie entitlements should be extended to 20 or 25 years – if at all. The review will only consider entitlements and no other pokie regulations.

"The Victorian Government, as the issuer of the gaming machine entitlements, has a responsibility to support responsible gambling while also ensuring that the hotels and clubs that hold these entitlements operate in a suitable regulatory framework," says Mr O’Brien.

The review is likely to see some criticism. Responsible gambling lobbyists already feel that pokie clubs and other gambling venues are given too much freedom. They believe that politicians should look at reducing gambling spending and problem gambling rates rather than looking for ways to further benefit gaming club owners.

However, the review was only launched today, so it will be at least a day or so until we hear from anti-pokie campaigners. Industry professionals and members of the general public have two weeks to make their submissions. You can send them via email to: [email protected].

Alternatively, submissions can be made by post to: Gambling Policy and Litigation Group Department of Treasury and Finance 1 Treasury Place East Melbourne VIC 3002

For more information on the review or to make a submission, visit: http://www.dtf.vic.gov.au/Victorias-Economy/Review-of-the-Gaming-Machine-Entitlement-Term.

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.