New reforms introduced into the Victorian Parliament this week will give patrons more control over how much they spend, reducing gambling harm according to the state government.
The Bill creates a framework for the introduction of carded play on gaming machines in Victoria, which will require patrons to insert a player card to operate a gaming machine – putting the power back in the hands of patrons.
The card will give people access to information about their gambling and allow them to set limits on how much they are willing to lose – known as pre-commitment.
The pilot of carded play will start in mid-2025 across selected venues and a phased approach to implementation will be taken to assist with changing patron behaviour and to reduce gambling related harm.
The current gaming machine spin rate in Victoria is 2.14 seconds. Under the reforms, any new gaming machines approved by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission after 1 December 2025 must have a spin rate of at least three seconds per game – slowing games down by 40 per cent.
From December next year, the amount of money people can load onto a machine at any time will be reduced to $100, down from $1,000 – helping people make informed decisions about spending, change their behaviour and reduce the amount that can be lost.
Mandatory closure periods from 4am to 10am for gaming areas in all Victorian hotels and clubs came into effect from 30 August.
Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne said “Almost 30 per cent 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.”
