Victoria passes carded play legislation, but trial postponed
The Australian state of Victoria has postponed a trial of carded play across gambling venues despite passage this week of legislation that will make it mandatory.
The Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2025 was passed by the state parliament on Tuesday.
The bill establishes a framework for introducing a mandatory pre-commitment system – commonly known as “carded play” – on gaming machines in Victoria. Patrons will eventually be required to insert a player card to operate a gaming machine. The card will also give patrons access to information about their gambling and allow them to pre-set limits on how much they are willing to lose.
In further reforms, any new gaming machines approved by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) from December 2025 must have a spin rate of at least three seconds per game. This will slow games down by 40% compared to the current rate of 2.14 seconds.
Discussing the legislation, Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne said: “Almost 30% of Victorians who play gaming machines experience gambling harm. These laws will save lives and livelihoods by giving control back to patrons.
“Gambling harm has consequences, not just for the person gambling but for everyone around them. These reforms provide important protections for people using gaming machines and for their loved ones.”
Victoria’s carded play trial postponed
The time frame to implement the reforms will now be updated following the passage of the bill. However, the Victorian government also announced this week that the carded play trial scheduled for the coming months has been postponed.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission said that the additional time will enable the examination of nationwide best practices and the exploration of technology-neutral options to test and facilitate the scheme.
“Further ministerial directions and supporting regulations will be developed for consideration along with consultation with industry and stakeholders on timelines for the future implementation of the trial before it commences,” the VGCCC said in a statement.