Following our January 30 blog complaining about children not being banned from entering poker machine venues, a comment has been received from the Victorian Minister for Gambling Gaming.

In part, it reads:

Dear Mr Jago,

I share your concern that minors in Victoria not be allowed or encouraged to use electronic gaming machines . . . .

This Government recently made significant changes to the law relating to gambling by minors . . . .

We have increased the penalties that apply to offences relating to minors; a maximum penalty of 120 penalty units (over $13,500) will now apply . . . .

While it is important to uphold the laws that protect minors, it is also essential to recognise that clubs, hotels and the casino offer valuable non-gambling services . . . .

Prohibiting minors altogether from these venues would deny young people and families the opportunity to take advantage of the wealth of community services and facilities available.

HON TONY ROBINSON, MINISTER FOR GAMING (5/2/2010)

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So his answer to our question — will something be done to keep children out of pokies venues to prevent their learning to link gambling with having a good time? — is No.

A skeptic might wonder whether his government needs gambling to continue at its present rate so they can keep cashing in, tax-wise, at the present rate.

And whether big-time promoters of gambling machines contribute to the political party to which Mr Robinson belongs. (If they don’t, somebody please tell me — and also tell how they can be sure.)

* * *

This blog has pointed out before, not only how shameful is the government’s position on gambling, but how the Church’s position is also unsatisfactory — Sydney’s Liverpool Catholic Club and the Campbelltown Catholic Club, for example, recently seeking approval to install more poker machines.

Local Catholic schools also all seem hooked on using Bingo and similar to help stay afloat.

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