'Bold plan' to rid pubs, clubs of pokies

TENS of thousands of pokies could be phased out across suburban Australia within a decade under a radical new federal tax plan.

The pokies purge would see gaming machines confined to casinos and race tracks.

Family First Senator Steve Fielding will introduce the anti-pokies legislation in Parliament next week.

It involves gradual tax increases being imposed on individual poker machines in pubs and clubs, rendering them non-profitable within five to 10 years.

All revenue from the tax would be held in a trust fund to help community and sporting groups through the transition.

His bold plan came as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd hinted at his own gambling reforms by slamming the placement of ATMs in pokie venues.

"Frankly, I think it is wrong that they are there – that's my personal view," he said.

"I do not want to promise the world here, but I know we have a problem and I know that in partnership with states and territories we can work through an agreed analysis on the social impact and what to do about it."

Victoria has 30,000 pokies – 27,500 in suburban venues operated by Tatts and Tabcorp and 2500 at Crown casino.

Senator Fielding said gambling-addicted state governments were incapable of weaning themselves off surging poker machine taxes.

"We need a bold plan to tackle the pokies problem and this is it," he said.

"Everyday Australians are being ambushed by the temptation of poker machines at local pubs and clubs.

"Family First wants pokies to be restricted to racetracks and casinos, which are dedicated gambling venues where people go to have a flutter, not community venues where families go to eat dinner."

Victorian pokies players lost a huge $2.5 billion last year, with about $1 billion making its way into Brumby Government coffers.

Senator-elect Nick Xenophon will also be determined to gain Mr Rudd's support when he brings his anti-poker machine message to Federal Parliament mid-year.

But the pokies push could be thwarted in Victoria within weeks with an expected announcement on the future of the Tatts-Tabcorp duopoly.

Tatts and Tabcorp have been lobbying for 20-year licence extensions.

A decision on the make-up of the state's wagering industry is also due.

News Added: 10 February, 2008

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