THE proposed Wilkie-Gillard Agreement will destroy the gaming industry, according to 16 local venue operators.
Instead, the state government’s model of helping problem gamblers should be adopted.
The operators from Ballarat, Ballan, Bacchus Marsh and Daylesford held a meeting yesterday to discuss their concerns, resolving to meet with Ballarat MHR Catherine King.
Red Lion Hotel owner David Canny said the agreement, which would require players to set a limit on how much they are prepared to lose before they start gambling and will be mandatory by 2014 if passed, was untenable.
“It’s like telling an alcoholic they can drink two slabs a night. It’s not right,” Mr Canny said.
The agreement also includes a $250 daily limit for ATMs in pokie venues and dynamic warning and cost-of-play displays on machines.
“There is no evidence it will work, “ Mr Canny said.
He said the state government’s model was the preferred option, which removes ATMs from pokie venues and gamblers can choose voluntary pre-commitment.
“The Victorian government is Australia’s leaders in this,” Mr Canny said.
Sebastopol Bowling Club general manager Rod Beckwith agreed there was no evidence mandatory pre-commitment worked as it had not been adopted anywhere else.
“We don’t want one problem gambler in our venue but this (the agreement) is not right,” Mr Beckwith said.
“We want change but what they’re proposing will have a negative impact.”
Mr Beckwith said mandatory pre-commitment could stop casual pokie users as they would also have to have a licence to gamble.
“It will stop people who come into have a meal putting $5 through the pokies while they’re there. It will have a big impact on employment too.”
Ballarat MHR Catherine King has defended the Wilkie-Gillard Agreement, claiming one in six people who play pokies regularly has a serious addiction.
She said the government’s changes would help limit the effects of problem gambling on families while still letting thousands of Australians enjoy playing the pokies.
She said services such as Gambler’s Help were also vital in helping deal with problem gambling.
Gambler’s Help is available on 1800 858 858.
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