Victoria is seeing a significant decline in poker machine spending thanks to its newly-implemented ATM ban in pokie clubs. However, problem gamblers and responsible gambling advocates believe that more could be done to curb gambling addiction rates in the state. A new study reveals that there is growing support for limits on EFTPOS withdrawals in poker machine venues.

According the The Age, pokie players across Victoria want local politicians to impose limits on the amount of money that they can withdraw from EFTPOS. At the moment, ATMs are banned from pokie venues, but punters can still choose to withdraw cash using EFTPOS machines. Few players choose this option, but those that do have found themselves exceeding their gambling budgets and digging themselves deep into debt.

A recent study of the ATM ban shows that it has been effective in curbing problem gambling spending. Since the ban was imposed, problem gamblers have spent $90 less when playing pokies at hotels and $43 less when playing pokies at clubs. If players run out of money, they have the option to withdraw cash using EFTPOS machines.

There is a $200 limit per withdrawal but players can make as many withdrawals as they want. According to the study, most players forego this option because they do not want to face casino staff in order to withdraw cash for gambling. ''Many recounted feelings of embarrassment at the prospect of staff and other customers knowing how much money they were gambling,'' the report reads.

However, there are players that do choose to carry out EFTPOS withdrawals – and they are requesting stricter limits. Some problem gamblers have expressed the desire to have EFTPOS machines removed so that they are not tempted to withdraw additional cash for playing pokies. The local government has responded to the demand, and a spokesperson has stated that it will ‘consider further action involving EFTPOS’.

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.