A recent controversy in the Australian parliament is the issue of smoking in outdoor areas. A law has recently been passed that bans players from smoking in doorways, bus stops and other communal areas; however, VIP gaming rooms at The Star Casino are exempt. To make anti-smoking authorities even angrier, the exemption also applies to outdoor areas in gaming clubs.

Many pubs and clubs offer outdoor gaming areas, which offer poker machines and other games out in the light of day. This is allowed, as a law states that gaming clubs can have smoking areas if 25% of the room is not enclosed. Health Minister Jillian Skinner has not been deterred by the revelation, however. She believes that a comprehensive smoking ban will be imposed sometime in the future.

Skinner calls anti-smoking laws ‘incremental’, as they cover more and more ground each time legislation is passed. While smoking is still allowed in areas of gaming venues, it may not be long before the exemption is closed. “We've moved gradually, step by step, until this point where we have this groundbreaking legislation,'' she says. “Who knows what will happen eventually?”

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.