Minister to review pokie playroom decision
Updated
The regulator rejected criticism that the playroom would encourage minors in gaming venues. (ABC News)
Victoria's gaming minister, Tony Robinson, will review a decision to approve a children's playroom near poker machines at a hotel at Beaconsfield, in Melbourne's outer south-east.
The Commission for Gambling Regulation gave the green light to the fully enclosed playroom made of soundproof glass that parents would be able to monitor from the gaming room.
The commission's director, Peter Cowan, has defended the decision and rejected criticism that it would encourage minors in gaming venues.
"If this playroom wasn't there there are still rooms in every gaming venue where minors are allowed to be, so they will always have the opportunity to be somewhere," he said.
"This is providing the kids with something else to do. It's an extra activity and I think it's spurious to say that the venue wouldn't otherwise have kids."
State Opposition spokesman Michael O'Brien says government policy is to blame for the approval, and the design must be changed.
"It is absolutely extraordinary the commission can allow a venue to start up which encourages parents to bring their kids and leave them in a soundproof room while they go off and play the pokies," he said.
"This is [Premier] John Brumby's commission, applying John Brumby's laws."
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