So, the Tattersalls monopoly in Victoria comes to an end. See the ABC news report here. The press release from the Government and reports in local media are thin on details – none identifies where instant scratch tickets will be sold. Intralot has previously identified supermarkets as a retail network they favor.
Regulars here may recall the petition I started and blogged about on this matter – newsagents who did not complain at the time will have no excuse if they lose scratch ticket sales. Here is part of what the Geelong Advertiser said at the time of my petition:
The Lottery Agents Association of Victoria said the State Government was unlikely to approve Intralot’s opportunistic application.
Association CEO Peter Judkins CEO said Mr Fletcher’s petition meant well but even if the unlikely approval was made, changes would not come before mid next year.
I’d like to catch up with Peter Judkins and see what he has to say now.
Listening to the announcements of this it seems almost 100% likely that scratch tickets will be sold in outlets other than newsagents sooner rather than later. Servos, 7-11’s and pretty much anywhere. History tells us the government is less interested in the social problems of gambling and more interested in the revenue, so I don’t think there will be much opposition from them.