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October 15th, 2011 
FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda TASMANIAN independent MP Andrew Wilkie will back a ban on mobile ATMs outside poker-machine venues but has signalled he is prepared to make deals on the detail of his anti-pokies agenda.
His 2014 timeline for the introduction of a mandatory pre-commitment for big jackpot machines remains “carved in stone” but the Denison MHR has confirmed he was open to extending the definition of smaller venues that would be exempt from the so-called “licence to punt” laws until 2018.
Other details to be negotiated include the length of time problem gamblers are excluded after they reach their bet limits.
Mr Wilkie said he was appalled by revelations that clubs might use mobile ATMs to circumvent planned $250 limits on ATMS in pubs and clubs.
“Easy access to cash is a problem for problem gamblers. I would expect the Government would be mindful of making the legislation tight so it can’t be circumvented,” he said.
Australian Greens leader Bob Brown said venues with gaming facilities should not have ATM facilities.
“Personally, I don’t believe ATMs should be in the vicinity of the pokie machines at all,” Senator Brown said.
Mr Wilkie confirmed pubs and clubs could also circumvent the so-called “licence to punt” laws by offering only $1-a-spin, low-intensity machines.
“In which case, there’s no mandatory pre-commitment, there’s no card, there’s no licence to punt,” he said.
Senator Brown said a Greens proposal to limit poker machines to $1 bets and jackpots of $500 had strong public support.
“People like it. It is simple, effective and much cheaper for clubs and casinos in terms of implementation.”
Senator Brown said the gaming industry’s own research supported the $1, low-jackpot option.
“The NSW Gaming Industry Operations Group’s own report, from the University of Sydney, in 2001 found this a good way to tackle problem gambling, so the industry is aware of its benefits,” he said.
However, Mr Wilkie remained open to punters having choice as long as they signed on to bet limits before playing big jackpot machines that could lead to bigger losses.
Already nearly 40 per cent of venues will not have to introduce mandatory pre-commitment immediately because they have 15 machines or fewer.
Mr Wilkie said he was open to increasing the number of machines a pub could have while still meeting the definition of a smaller venue.
“I would be prepared to talk to the Government about that. The Productivity Commission recommended 10 machines or less and I agree with it that 15 machines or less was better,” he said.
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