Operators of electronic gaming machines, commonly known as “pokies,” in Victorian retail and land-based venues will be subject to comprehensive new responsible gambling and anti-money laundering reforms. These reforms include:
- Mandatory pre-commitment limits
- Identity verification through carded play
- A reduced load-up limit
- Curfews in venues enforced between 4am-10am
- A reduced spin speed
Premier Andrews stated, “These reforms will provide the strongest gambling harm preventions and anti-money laundering measures in Australia. We owe it to all Victorians to take this stance and help those experiencing harm turn their lives around. I look forward to the implementation working group’s input and effort.”
If the state passes the law, all pokies in Victoria will require mandatory pre-commitment limits. This means that players will be asked to enter the amount they are willing to lose before playing. The rules will also introduce carded play, linking a player’s identity to all their gambling activities. These measures aim to support social responsibility and anti-money laundering efforts.
Additionally, the government will cap the amount of money a player can put into an EGM at one time, known as the load-up limit, at AU$100. This represents a tenfold reduction from the current limit of AU$1,000. The government plans to introduce these initiatives after consulting with the industry and through an implementation working group. Similar restrictions in other jurisdictions and the experience of Crown Melbourne, which will implement mandatory pre-commitment and carded play from the end of 2023, will be taken into consideration.
Other restrictions, such as a mandatory closure period between 4am and 10am for all EGMs in venues, will not be subject to consultation. This curfew, effective from mid-2024, will not apply to casinos. The government introduced this measure to address evidence of staggered opening hours in certain venues that enable users to move between locations for continuous gambling.
The reforms will also require all new EGMs to spin at a rate of three seconds per game, slowing down the pace of play.
The government initiated these reforms following the findings of the Royal Commission inquiry into misconduct at Crown Melbourne. The Commission determined in April 2022 that the casino was “unsuitable” to hold a license in the state due to engaging in illegal, dishonest, unethical, and exploitative conduct. Subsequently, Crown has faced regulatory scrutiny, receiving fines of AU$30m for breaches related to its “blank cheque” policy and AU$120m for responsible gaming failings. The casino had previously been fined AU$80m for failures in its use of China Union Pay processes.
As a result of the inquiry, the government established the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) to regulate gaming in the state. The 2023 Victoria budget allocated AU$71m to the VGCCC to take on a more significant role in reducing gambling harm. From 1 July 2024, the VGCCC will assume most of the functions of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.
“Everyone loses when it comes to gambling harm, and it’s not confined to money – people lose their relationships, their jobs, and their well-being,” said Horne. “Our previous reforms have provided stronger oversight of the gambling industry in Victoria, with a regulator unafraid to hold venues accountable. Now, we are undertaking more important work to reduce gambling-related harm.”
