Twenty five hundred clubs and pubs in Victoria will soon have Keno as well as related games to offer their customers. The Brumby Government has decided to start a ten year plan that will introduce more gambling products and services to Victoria. The plan will see an expansion of Keno and other games.

The new deal would allow any hotel or club with a liquor license could register to have Keno-style games in their establishment. Companies can register their interest and place a $10,000 deposit toe the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation. The deadline for registration is November 14th.

Anti-gambling campaigners and the opposed have criticized the decision by the Government and wonder why the quick-draw lotteries would be expanded to almost five times their normal size. Major Brand Halse, the anti-gambling campaigner of the Salvation Army stated: “It’s difficult, if not impossible, for us to understand how the wider community can benefit from more gambling venues being made available.”

Those who agree with the move by the Brumby Government believe that the expansion is a good thing. Margaret Kearney, Clubs Victoria chief, stated that it is a chance to reinvigorate the quick-draw lotteries market.



- 2008-10-10