Gamblers will soon have easier and closer access to cash after legislation allowing EFTPOS facilities to be installed in South Australian pokie lounges was passed through state parliament on Tuesday night.

The Upper House passed an amendment to gambling legislation which now allows EFTPOS facilities to be installed inside pokie lounges in SA hotels and clubs.

The amendment, tabled by Police Minister Tony Piccolo on behalf of Business Services and Consumers Minister Gail Gago, suggested human interaction through EFTPOS services on-site were more beneficial for a gambler than an ATM.

“Currently gamblers are required to leave the gaming room and withdraw cash using EFTPOS facilities outside the gaming area,” the legislation stated.

“This means that the gambler may not be able to be observed or served by trained gaming area staff.

“It is considered that there is a better chance of appropriate intervention when the gambler is exhibiting problem gambling characteristics if the EFTPOS facility is located in the gaming area.

“Unlike ATMs, EFTPOS facilities involve human interaction at point of cash withdrawal.

“This provides a good opportunity for interaction between the gambler and trained gaming staff and for trained gaming staff to observe cash withdrawal behaviour.”

The move has attracted a swift backlash from anti-gaming campaigners.

Outside of state parliament today, independent SA Senator Nick Xenophon joined Uniting Communities advocacy manager Mark Henley and independent MLC John Darley in criticising the government’s decision to lift the EFTPOS ban in SA gaming venues.

Xenophon said in June this year Darley had moved an amendment opposing the removal of the ban in the Upper House but his amendment had not been supported by the two major parties or any of his cross bench colleagues.