Poker Machine Payouts

In reply to the Hon. C. BONAROS (17 October 2019).

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer): The Attorney-General has provided the following advice:

1. Consumer and Business Services has considered the circumstances surrounding this incident. Current legislation does not mandate that a gaming machine licensee must check with patrons whether they want their winnings paid by cheque. It is, however, a mandatory requirement of the Gambling Codes of Practice Notice 2013, that a gaming machine licensee, if requested, must provide a cheque to the patron in respect of an undisputed prize or winnings of $1,000 or more—

(a) as soon as practicable; and

(b) in any event, within 30 minutes after the patron makes the request and completes any formalities required by law.

2. The Attorney-General has undertaken a review of all gambling related legislative instruments in the state with a view to achieving greater consistency in regulatory requirements and processes applicable to the industry. This has led to the introduction of three bills into the parliament, which contain proposals to better protect the community from gambling related harm, while also supporting the balanced development and maintenance of an economically viable and socially responsible gambling industry.

Following the passage of these reforms, the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner will initiate a review of the current codes of practice, providing the opportunity to further consider how gaming machine licensees pay winnings and to explore other forms of payment options.

3. Consumer and business services is not aware of any similar robberies that have occurred where people have received large poker machine payouts.