Keno agencies fear losing over $65 million a year as the Independent Gambling Authority recently announced that newsagents and other retail outlets will be prohibited from selling Keno tickets after a proposed five-year phase-out.
Upon implementation of the gambling agency, South Australians would no longer be able to play Keno anywhere outside licensed gaming venues.
Hundreds of small business owners, who would undoubtedly be affected by the change, immediately raised protests over the plan.
Presently, Keno retailers sell an average $2143 worth of games each week. All together, Keno earnings make up 51% of total sales. Agencies pointed out that on average, they will each lose sales of gambling products amounting to $34.5 million a year all together and $65 million a year in turnover.
In reaction, South Australia Lotteries is now appealing the gambling agency proposal, saying that although there is a good number of Keno enthusiasts currently, Keno could still lose at least 30% of its players as a result of licensing gaming venues.
South Australia Lotteries argued that authorities have not found any proof that removing Keno from retail agencies would help in curbing the gambling scenario in South Australia.
"(The proposal) may indeed expose Keno players to further risks, including other more continuous gaming alternatives and alcohol, by compelling them to visit licensed venues to play Keno," South Australia Lotteries said in its appeal.
Monday, July 24 , 2006
John Sullivan
