Victorian gambling reform bill seeks to reduce pokies hours

In a landmark move to shield Victorians from the potential hazards of gambling, the Allan Labor government has initiated a series of groundbreaking reforms.

This week, Melissa Horne, the Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, introduced the Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 to parliament. The bill mandates the closure of all pokies gaming machine areas in venues, excluding casinos, from 4am to 10am daily.

This proactive step addresses concerns that some venues manipulate their opening hours, encouraging patrons to hop between nearby establishments to continue gambling. Providing individuals with a break in gameplay serves as a crucial strategy to prevent gambling-related harm.

It allows them to take a moment to reflect on their decisions and weigh the potential risks of further monetary losses. The mandatory closures are set to become effective by mid-2024.

The bill also grants the Minister authority to prohibit harmful betting on activities occurring outside of Victoria, including sports involving minors. This extension provides the government with greater control over betting activities not in the public interest.

Prompted by troubling revelations uncovered by the Royal Commission into Crown Melbourne and its operational practices, the government acted swiftly to implement the Commission’s 33 recommendations.

The bill strengthens these efforts by streamlining processes for the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission to manage Crown casino property if it decides to withhold a casino licence. It also ensures that mandatory pre-commitment and carded play systems will be universally applied across the casino, including table games.

Starting from December 2023, individuals engaging with a gaming machine at the casino will be required to track their play using the pre-commitment system, YourPlay. By December 2025, this requirement will extend to table games like poker and baccarat, necessitating the development of new table game technology.

This bill aligns with the government’s commitment in July 2023 to introduce comprehensive reforms, establishing the most robust gambling harm protections in the nation.

The reform package includes mandatory pre-commitment limits and carded play for all electronic gaming machines, capped load-up limits of $100, and a reduction in spin rates to moderate game pace. Industry consultations will be sought as part of an implementation working group.

“Our previous reforms have delivered stronger oversight of the gambling industry in Victoria with a regulator unafraid to hold venues to account – now we’re doing more important work to prevent and reduce gambling-related harm,” said Minister Horne.

“We’ve seen predatory behaviour from some venues, allowing people to keep gambling for hours, at any hour. Closing gaming areas between 4am and 10am will give people an important break to reassess and walk away.”

More gambling news