Vic pokie reform for big gambling suburbs

Strict withdrawal limits at gaming venues and added restrictions on poker machine numbers in regions hit hardest by gambling will be imposed in Victoria.

Poker machine numbers will be capped in problem gambling areas across Victoria along with sweeping reforms to limit cash withdrawals in pubs, clubs and casinos.

Cash withdrawals at gaming venues will soon be limited to $500 within a 24-hour period and cashing cheques in venues will be banned, the state government announced on Tuesday.

The number of municipal areas with poker machine caps will jump from 11 to 17 to now include Brimbank, Hume, Central Goldfields, East Gippsland, Wellington and Maroondah, Minister for Gaming Marlene Kairouz said.