Evaluation of the removal of ATMs from gaming venues in Victoria, Australia
Anna Christina Thomas, Jeffrey E. Pfeifer, Susan May Moore, Denny Meyer, Ligia Yap, Andrew Armstrong · Swinburne figshare (Swinburne University of Technology) · 2013
From 1 July 2012, ATMs were prohibited in gaming venues in Victoria. The Victorian Government funded an evaluation of the effectiveness of this prohibition on ATMs in gaming venues. Swinburne University of Technology was engaged and conducted the evaluation, assessing the effectiveness of the removal of ATMs from gaming venues as a problem gambling harm reduction measure; the effectiveness of the removal of ATMs from gaming venues as a consumer protection measure for recreational gamblers; and costs and unintended consequences of removing ATMs from venues, including the effect on venue patrons who are not gambling. The study included more than 900 player interviews, 164 surveys of venue patrons; 14 interviews with problem and ex-gamblers; 40 interviews with stakeholders including industry, venues, government and the community sector; and observations at 89 venues. The report finds that the removal of ATMs from Victorian venues with EGMs has been an effective harm reduction measure. The time and money spent on EGM gambling by higher risk gamblers has been substantially and significantly reduced. Increased control of EGM spending is apparent, as are reductions in impulsive over-spending and severity of problem gambling symptoms. ATM removal from EGM venues has been an effective consumer protection measure. Gamblers are spending less time playing EGMs. Low risk gamblers are spending less time at clubs, are better able to manage their EGM gambling spending and report fewer impulsive overspends on gambling.