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BANKING INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO CONSULT ON PROBLEM GAMBLING ISSUES
Sydney, 7 October, 2005: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) says it continues to consult with the Federal Government on problem gambling and ATMs, despite the fact that the large majority of cash machines in gambling areas are not operated by banks.
The ABA notes that the Ministerial Council on Gambling is today meeting in Melbourne to consider issues related to ATMs and gaming venues.
It is important to note that the large majority of machines in gaming venues are operated by independent providers and not by banks. Of the 7500 ATMs owned by the four major banks, only 1.7% or 133 are located at gaming venues.
Banks have readily complied with the existing regulations on ATMs and gaming venues including:
- limiting the amount of cash that can be withdrawn;
- ensuring ATMs are not placed within gaming areas at gaming venues;
- ensuring that cash advances on credit cards (against credit balances) are not available from ATMs within gaming areas.
If any further initiatives are sought, the banking industry is willing to discuss with all stakeholders and participate in a Government-sponsored working group to find workable responses to issues related to problem gambling. The banking industry urges all providers of cash machines to adopt a sensible approach to helping overcome problem gambling.
Any proposed changes should acknowledge limitations such as the cost and technical capabilities with technology and the functionality of bank and non-bank ATMs.
The ABA believes that removal of ATMs from gaming venues could result in discrimination against the majority of Australians who do not have a gambling problem.
David Bell, Chief Executive of the ABA, said: “In regional locations, an ATM may be located at a gaming venue or a hotel with gaming facilities, offering convenient access to cash. Its removal would adversely impact on the ability of all members of the community to access cash services.”
“Removing ATMs may unduly impact the commercial activities of other businesses located at the gaming venues and is likely to damage commercial relationships between the banks and the wider business and community sectors, even though the machines are not necessarily owned by the banks.”
“Importantly, removal of ATMs from gaming venues may not deter problem gamblers because alternative ATM facilities, or other cash machine services, are likely to be located nearby and easily accessible.”
Finally, a recent study commissioned by the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission indicates that there is limited evidence to support the removal of ATMs from gaming venues.
For further information:
Heather Wellard
Director, Public Relations
Phone: 02 8298 0411
Mobile: 0409 830 439
ENDS
1 The Use of ATMs in ACT Gaming Venues: An Empirical Study. Australian National University (ANU) Centre for Gambling Research. ACT Gambling and Racing and Commission. September 2004.
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