Victoria introduces Australia’s toughest pokie machine regulations
The Victorian government will slash the maximum cash input into poker machines from $1000 to $100 under sweeping reforms tabled in parliament today.
The new laws establish the foundation for carded play, requiring gamblers to use a player card before operating a machine.
The card informs players about their gambling behavior and enables them to set loss limits.
Fresh details have also emerged regarding the NSW premier’s proposal for statewide cashless card use on pokies.
The Victorian reforms include a plan for mandatory cashless card play across the state. (Edwina Pickles)
Melbourne’s Crown Casino last year adopted compulsory carded play on nearly 3000 gaming machines, following the recommendations of the 2021 royal commission into its licence.
From mid-next year, a trial of carded play will be introduced across select Victorian venues.
The government describes this as a “phased approach” before the rules become compulsory.
The legislation also requires all new poker machines approved after December 1, 2025, by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission to run with a minimum three-second spin time.
This slows the pace of play by 40 per cent, reducing potential gambling losses.
These measures build on previous reforms under former premier Daniel Andrews aimed at reducing financial and health harms caused by gambling.
Mandatory shutdowns of all gaming areas in Victorian clubs and hotels from 4am to 10am commenced on August 30.
Victorian Gaming Minister Melissa Horne. (Gus McCubbing/Nine)
The state government says these changes amount to the strictest gambling laws in Australia.
Minister for Gaming Melissa Horne will today present the new gambling amendment to parliament.
“Almost 30 per cent of Victorians who use gaming machines experience gambling harm,” she said.
“These measures will protect lives and livelihoods by restoring control to players.
“Gambling harm affects not only individuals but also their families and communities.
“These reforms deliver vital safeguards for Victorians who use poker machines and their loved ones.”
