Victoria eyes stricter pokies regulations with new bill
The Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024 passed its first reading in Victoria parliament today (26 November). Introduced by gaming minister Melissa Horne, it proposes changes to the rules for slot or poker machines, more commonly known as pokies.
Changes were first proposed by Horne and Victoria premier Daniel Andrews in July last year. However, the bill has only just made it to parliament in what is the state’s final siting week of the current year.
The overall aim of the bill is to create a framework for carded players on pokies machines. This would require consumers to insert a player card to gamble on the machines across Victoria.
Proposed rules include significantly reducing the maximum deposit on pokies. Players would only be able to deposit $100 at a time, in contrast to the current limit of $1,000. Consumers would also need to set loss limits on the machines, with the default being $50.
Also within the mooted rules is a longer spin rate of three seconds per game. This will apply to any new machines approved by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) from 1 December 2025.
It is hoped the roll-out of carded play will begin in mid-2025 with a pilot programme across a small number of venues. After this will come a phased approach beginning in 2026, with carded play mandatory by 2027.
Crown Melbourne supports new pokies rules
Crown Melbourne, operated by Crown Resorts, is backing the new bill. The Victoria-based gambling venue introduced carded play across its electronic gaming machines in December 2023 as part of a wider CSR commitment.
In just 12 months, Crown said over 400,000 guests have registered for carded play. This, it adds, has made it easier for guests to control their gambling by setting their own limits.
“Crown has led by example, demonstrating that carded play is essential to developing a safer gaming environment,” Crown Melbourne CEO Mike Volkert said.
“Our experience in developing and implementing these reforms means that we are well-placed to assist the government and industry as they work to establish a safer and more sustainable gaming environment throughout Victoria.”
Incidentally, the Victoria government introduced reforms following the findings of the Royal Commission inquiry into malpractice at Crown Melbourne. In April 2022, the Commission found the casino “unsuitable” to hold a licence in Victoria on the basis it engaged in conduct which was “illegal, dishonest, unethical and exploitative”.
While Crown has implemented changes in the wake of the report, it has continued to face regulatory scrutiny. Last month, it was fined AUS$2m for allowing self-excluded players to gamble.
The inquiry also led the Victoria government to form the VGCCC to regulate gaming in the state.