Restrictions will be placed on the number of poker machines allowed in Wyndham as part of sweeping gambling reforms introduced by the state government.
The changes to the Gaming Machines Arrangements Bill were announced by Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Marlene Kairouz last week to reduce gambling-related harm.
Under the reforms, a regional cap will be introduced in Wyndham for the first time, limiting the maximum permissible number of gaming machines in the municipality. It is not yet known how many gaming machines will be allowed under the cap and whether it will apply to the whole municipality.
Wyndham has 892 gaming machines across 13 venues.
In 2016-17, gamblers spent $97.7 million at Wyndham’s poker machine venues.
Poker machine players spent the most money at the Werribee Plaza Tavern
($12.8 million), followed by the Commercial Taverner ($12.5 million).
Cash withdrawals through EFTPOS machines at gaming venues will be limited to $500 within a 24-hour period, while the practice of cashing cheques at gaming venues will be banned.
The reforms also address the emergence of cashless gaming by banning the purchase of cashless gaming tickets or credits with a credit card, as well as banning any encouragement of players receiving winnings in the form of cashless gaming tickets or credits.
Ms Kairouz said the reforms would tackle the regions most affected by gambling.
“We have already taken strong action to reduce the harm from gambling on our community – and these measures go even further,” she said.
“We are capping pokies numbers across the state, limiting daily cash withdrawals in venues and restricting betting advertising in our public spaces.
“This is about protecting people and helping those who choose to gamble.”
