VICTORIAN Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu is being investigated by the state’s gaming authority after he campaigned to remove pokies, armed with a poker machine.
Mr Baillieu launched a Liberal pledge to remove 5500 of Victoria’s 27,500 pokies and double funding to fight problem gambling — using a poker machine as a prop.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation is investigating the incident after seeing Mr Baillieu’s photograph with a pokie in a Melbourne paper on Tuesday.
Illegal possession of a poker machine carries a penalty up to two years’ jail and/or a maximum fine of about $100,000.
“We decided it needed to be investigated,” executive commissioner Peter Cohen said.
“The Gambling Regulation Act makes it illegal to possess a gaming machine unless you are authorised. What we are looking at is whether there have been any particular breaches.
“I am certain we have not authorised one specifically to be on the steps of parliament.”
source : http://www.bordermail.com.au
