A letter from the Victorian Minister for Gaming Regulation to Intralot outlets opens an issue of concern for newsagents. The last paragraph on page one of the letter notes Tattersalls will offer current Intralot outlets the opportunity to become Tattersalls outlets.
I know of newsagency businesses with Tattersalls located next to or near supermarkets that have Intralot. What will happen there if those supermarkets take up the offer to which the Minister refers?
I have been approached by several newsagents in Victoria about this letter. They are most concerned. here is what one newsagent has said about their situation:
This is a concern for us as we have a IGA Supermarket in the next town 5 minutes away which currently sells Intralot products only. In the past they have applied for a Tatts license, but were denied because Tatts recognised that there would be no benefit to having an extra outlet in country towns on a 10km stretch of highway (there are already 2 including our newsagency).If this letter is to be believed, they would now be given the right to sell all Tatts products, which will have a significant impact on our lottery sales. We will be meeting with our local member for parliament and with our Tatts rep to discuss this issue.
I expect a letter like this would have gone through several reviews prior to release. If it means what it says then newsagents with Tatts and a supermarketer other retailers nearby selling Intralot ought to be concerned.
If I was in this situation I’d write to the Minister for Gaming relation immediately, seeking urgent clarification.