EGM Monitoring Licence awarded to Intralot Gaming Services
The Victorian Coalition Government intends to award Victoria's new single electronic gaming machine (EGM) Monitoring Licence to Intralot Gaming Services (IGS). The 15-year licence will commence in August 2012, Minister for Gaming Michael O'Brien announced today.
The EGM Monitoring Licence is the final licence to be awarded as part of the restructure of Victoria's gambling industry.
IGS will provide the electronic monitoring system for all hotel and club gaming machines in Victoria from August 2012. The EGM Monitoring Licence also requires the provision of data and information on gaming machines for regulatory, taxation and research purposes.
The Minister's decision follows a report by the Secretary of the Department of Justice on assessments of the two competing bids against the criteria set out in the Gambling Regulation Act.
The assessments, by the Department and the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation (VCGR), examined criteria including technical, financial and commercial capability, pricing, probity and willingness to comply with the proposed monitoring licence agreement.
"I would like to thank both IGS and Maxgaming Vic Pty Ltd (Tatts) for their participation in this process," said Mr O'Brien.
"I have accepted the Secretary's recommendation that, based on the assessments, it is in the public interest that IGS's application for the monitoring licence be granted," Mr O'Brien said.
"The Secretary's report was clear that IGS was the preferred bid. IGS's bid offered a fair and competitive pricing model and agreed to comply with the terms and conditions of the monitoring licence and related agreement."
Intralot is a leading supplier of monitoring services to licensed gaming organisations worldwide and has proven, modern technology.
"Intralot currently provides monitoring services in New Zealand, Italy and several other countries. The group's experience in this field will strengthen the monitoring of electronic gaming machines in Victoria," Mr O'Brien said.
"IGS will provide an electronic monitoring system to all gaming machines in Victoria (outside of Crown Casino). The system will monitor the integrity of all gaming machine transactions. The VCGR will continue to monitor the overall integrity of gaming in Victoria.
"With the final gaming industry licence awarded, the Coalition Government will now work closely with the industry on a comprehensive information and engagement program to help clubs and pubs prepare for the new arrangements and ensure a smooth transition.
"The VCGR will continue to ensure high standards of probity, transparency, and accountability."
The Gambling Licences Review project is subject to strict probity requirements, with an independent Probity Auditor and the Independent Review Panel (IRP) ensuring transparency of the licensing process.
The IRP's report found no impediment to the Minister proceeding to make the decision. The report will be shortly tabled in Parliament.
For information on the Gambling Licences Review process, go to www.gamblinglicences.vic.gov.au
Future updates on the transition to the new industry arrangements will be available via the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation website at www.vcgr.vic.gov.au
Attached: EGM Monitoring Licence fact sheet
EGM monitoring licence fact sheet 469.46 Kb
