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Andrews Labor Government introduces sweeping reforms to protect Victorians against gambling harm. This makes the state’s protections for gambling harm the strongest in Australia.
Melissa Horne, Minister of Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, and Premier Daniel Andrews announced reforms to reduce harm caused by gambling at places with electronic gaming machines in the state.
Gambling causes harm to 330,000 Victorians every year. This costs Victoria $7 billion a year and leads to financial stress, mental health issues and relationship problems.
All EGMs will be required to have pre-commitment limit and carded games. This puts the power in the patron’s hands while also tracking the money – preventing money laundering.
The limit on how much an individual can deposit into an EGM will now be $100. This is a reduction from the current limit, which was $1000. It helps people to make better decisions, change their behavior and reduce their losses.
A working group will consult with the industry to determine the best way to implement mandatory pre-commitment limits, carded playing and load-up limits. This will take into consideration the experiences of other jurisdictions as well as Crown Melbourne’s experience in mandating pre-commitment on all EGMs.
By the middle of 2024, all gaming machines in a venue will be required to close between 4am and 10am, with the exception of the casino. The evidence shows that some venues implement staggered hours of operation to allow players to move from one venue to another to continue gambling.
The government will also require that all new EGMs spin at three seconds per game. This will slow down the pace of play and limit the amount of money that can be lost.
The combined reforms will ensure that gaming machines use the latest technologies, create safer environments for gambling and allow patrons to have a rest.
The reforms are an extension of changes made by the government following the Royal Commission findings to other gaming establishments in the state. They build on the protections that were introduced at Crown and established the nation’s most powerful regulator, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.
The budget for this year includes $71millions to allow the VGCCC a greater role in harm minimisation. It will take over the majority of functions from the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation as of 1 July 2024.
Gambler’s Help provides confidential, free and supportive advice and referrals to anyone affected by gambling, whether it is their own or that of another person. Call 1800 858 858 24/7.
Premier Daniel Andrews stated: “These reforms provide the strongest anti-money laundering and gambling harm prevention measures in Australia. We owe this to all Victorians, and we must help those who are experiencing harm to turn their lives around.”
I look forward to the input and efforts of the implementation working groups.
Melissa Horne, Minister of Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, stated: “Everyone is affected by gambling harm, and the losses are not limited to money. People lose their relationships, jobs and wellbeing.
Our previous reforms delivered stronger oversight to the gambling industry, with a regulator who is not afraid to hold venues accountable. Now we are doing more to reduce gambling-related harm.
