PVS moves to Sidestep ATM ban

By Annette Shailer

A new business set-up by three Tatts Group staff is offering pubs and clubs a machine that would potentially sidestep Victoria’s ban on ATMs in gaming venues to be enforced by 2012.

The business, called Progressive Venue Services (PVS) offers full gaming machine management and according to the website, “has been established to provide a seamless transition into the new Victorian gaming model.”

The three men behind PVS are Richard Whitehouse, Anthony Bahen and Clayton Wheeler, who recently left Tatts.

One of the PVS brochures features the ‘ecash pospoint’ cash dispenser, which allows gamblers to swipe their card, key in a pin and exchange the receipt printed from the machine with cash from behind the bar.

“The very latest in integrated cash dispensing payment solutions, specifically designed for all gaming venues. Pospoint allows your customers easy access to cash without leaving your venue,” states the PVS brochure.

This is in stark contrast to a statement made by Victorian Gaming Minister, Tony Robinson, on May 11, where he said that the Government would implement measures to reduce problem gambling, including banning ATMs.

“We are the only Australian state removing ATMs from gaming venues and one of the only places in the world to introduce pre-commitment technology so that players can take control and preset time and/or spend limits on their gambling,” Robinson said.

Victoria’s Brumby Government ended the state’s gaming machine duopoly between TabCorp and Tatts Group, with their gaming machine entitlement auction which was finalised last month.

At 2pm today (Jun 2) Tatts Group Limited stocks were trading at $2.33, unchanged from seven days ago.

[Wed 02/06/2010 02:30:36]