On November 23rd, 2007, Premier John Brumby allegedly ignored problem gaming in their area after giving out new licenses that will allow lottery tickets to be sold in vending machines and cellular phone text messages.
The licenses will also permit gambling companies to sell their merchandise in different outlets like liquor shops, supermarkets and pharmacies. Gaming critics and the state opposition warned that the new licenses can increase gambling addiction in the state especially with minors.
Opposition gambling spokesperson Michael O'Brien commented that Premier Brumby wants gaming to be present at every aspect of life of the residents in Victoria. The 10 year gambling licenses will be given to Tattersall's and Intralot from Greece, after the cabinet decided last month to end the monopoly of Tattersall's on lotteries in Victoria. Intralot will be given permission to develop brand new games but Gambling Minister Tony Robinson commented that it would have to be approved by the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation.
Selling lottery tickets to minors will remain illegal. Violators will need to pay a $1,000 fine. Tattersall's will sell lottery tickets through their extensive network of agencies and retail outlets as well on the company's online site. Intralot will be allowed to sell instant "scratchies" for $20 with a jackpot prize of $1.5 million and with the chance of selling the tickets from the vending machines.
Intralot will be able to sell keno and Pick 3 games two times a day, Heads or Tails and Cross and Match games everyday and TV Bingo weekly. Mr. Robinson commented that Intralot was not proposing to sell their products on the Internet or on mobile phones but the gaming license will allow the company to exploit such technology in the near future. But O'Brien from the Liberals commented that these would just affect the number of minors that have the potential to become addicted to gambling.
[02-12]
Louis Blechdom
