On July 2nd, 2008, Greek gaming giant Intralot started selling instant scratchies, keno and bingo tickets at around five hundred gambling outlets in the state. But a lot of outlets, which have paid around $10,000 for operation costs, reportedly left without any form of computer system, software training and even scratchies.
Another 200 outlets are yet to be fully connected. But a lot of gamblers are hesitant to try the games. The proprietor of one CBD outlet commented that they had just sold to Intralot tickets that day. The owner of the Aspendale Gardens newsagency Wayne Gleish commented that his supply of scratchie tickets did not arrive toll late afternoon.
Opposition gaming spokesperson Michael O'Brien commented that the Brumby Government's foray into the lottery industry had been a complete disaster. He added thast Gambling Minister Tony Robinson should call his Labor mate Tony Sheehan that Intralot needs to improved its game.
Tony Sheehan, a former state treasurer from the Labor party, was an important player in the company's successful run to cut the fifty year lottery hold of Tattersall's. But Intralot head John Katakis said that the first day of the company's launch enjoyed relative success. He added that 1639 Victorians had won on the company's keno game.
3AW and Channel Seven have given their consent to air a $500,000 bingo draw every week. Intralot is allowed to offer keno, cross and match, bingo and scratchies, while Tattersall's will managed Powerball, Tattslotto and Oz Lotto.
[24-07]
Louis Blechdom
