Vic: Churches, pubs welcome pokies changes

AAP General News (Australia)
04-11-2008
Vic: Churches, pubs welcome pokies changes

Churches and industry groups have applauded the Victorian government's decision to
smash the state's pokies duopoly .. and move to a venue-based system.

Premier JOHN BRUMBY says hotels and clubs will be able to bid directly for poker machines
.. under a shake-up that will end the Tattersall's and Tabcorp duopoly.

MARK ZIRNSAK .. from the Victorian Inter Church Gambling Taskforce .. says the move
is a step in the right direction to reduce problem gambling.

But he says he'd have liked more machines moved into clubs and away from hotels.

Clubs Victoria executive director MARGARET KEARNEY says the move will give community
clubs more control.

And Australian Hotels Association Victorian chief BRIAN KEARNEY says his organisation
had always hoped for a venue-based model.

The new industry model is similar to those that have been operating in New South Wales
and Queensland for more than a decade.

AAP RTV kl/gfr/crh/jec/wz/psm/

KEYWORD: POKIES VIC REAX (MELBOURNE)

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