South-west punters will have their spending capped at $500 thanks to new legislation aimed at reducing the negative affects of gambling.
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From September 19 gaming venues will limit the amount of cash a patron can access during a 24-hour period.
The changes include a $500 limit on any debit or credit card within a 24-hour period, cash access limited to an EFTPOS facility operated by an employee of the venue only, a $200 limit on EFTPOS transactions, and the introduction of a no cash advance and no cheque policy.
Gambling support services and gaming venues in the region are welcoming the changes.
“This new legislation is another step towards reducing gambling and harm prevention,” a Bethany Community Services spokesperson said.
Macey’s Bistro owner Peter ‘Cork’ Walsh said few patrons at his central Warrnambool venue would be impacted.
“All our terminals have been calibrated ready for the changes,” he said.
“We got new monitors installed last week and we can’t wait for the changes and to see how it all pans out.
“There’s only a small percentage who access more than $500.
“Most play with their $100 or $200 and once that’s gone they head off.”
Failure to comply with changes could lead to extensive fines and licences being revoked by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR).
- If you know someone experiencing gambling harm, they can seek help by contacting Gamblers Help on 1800 858 858 or Bethany Community Support on 5278 8122.