New Aussie TV Bingo Worries Local Clubs
12th December, 2007
Victoria, Australia currently has a bingo industry that yields more than $150 million annually. However, this may soon change, seeing as Greek gambling giant Intralot has been given a 10-year lottery license from the Brumby Government, allowing them to introduce many new games to Aussies, as well as live TV bingo.
Bingo players will be able to purchase their tickets at service stations, newsagents, or supermarkets, and then tune in to a nightly televised bingo draw. In addition to live TV bingo, Intralot is also looking into having gaming products and services over the internet and thru SMS text messaging.
Unfortunately for The Bingo Industry Associate in Victoria, fears have arisen that profits will be all going to Greece instead of staying in Victoria, which will seriously cost community clubs as well as fundraising groups.
“Intralot is being allowed to conduct bingo for profit, free of the restrictions imposed on local sporting and community clubs,” said BIA president Russell Enders. “I’m still waiting for answers from the government as to why Intralot is being given preferential treatment.”
According to Enders, more than 20 bingo centres went out of business in Victoria after the introduction of pokies in 1991. The remaining halls will also face a struggle once Intralot’s licence is activated on July 1 next year. Because Intralot is able to over such large jackpots, local halls will have a hard time maintaining the new customer demands that will be created. David Harrison, the Fawkner Bingo Centre owner expects even his loyal customers will be lured away.
“The prize money on offer is going to be a lot more than we can afford,” Harrison explained.
Intralot, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to think that there is any reason for the bingo industry in Victoria to be concerned. Of course, that’s easy to say when you know that your business is not in danger. If you know what it’s like to be the little fish eaten by the big fish, tell us your experiences in our online gaming forum, or forget about your corporate woes and play online bingo now!
