Victoria Unveils Gambling Reform Bill with Mandatory Limits

Victoria’s government has introduced a landmark Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2024, aiming to overhaul how gaming machines operate in the state.

The bill mandates carded play for electronic gaming machines and reduces maximum input limits to combat gambling harm.

With measures like slower spin rates and spending limits, these reforms promise safer gaming environments across Victoria’s venues.

Explore how these changes could redefine the gambling landscape and protect vulnerable communities in Victoria.

Victoria Introduces Gambling Reform Bill with Pre-Commitment Limits and Carded Play

Key Points:

1. Pre-Commitment Limits: The new bill reduces maximum input limits for EGMs from AU$1,000 to AU$100, promoting safer play.
2. Mandatory Carded Play: A phased implementation of carded play will require gamblers to set spending limits, beginning with a 2025 pilot program.
3. Spin Rate Reduction: Machines approved after December 2025 must have slower spin rates, reducing gameplay speed by 40%.

Victoria Introduces Groundbreaking Gambling Reforms

The Victorian government has taken a significant step toward tackling gambling harm with the introduction of the Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2024. Introduced by Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne on November 26, the proposed legislation sets new standards for electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in the state.

These reforms aim to curb excessive gambling by implementing mandatory pre-commitment limits and carded-play systems, with a focus on player protection and harm reduction.

Mandatory Limits and Carded Play

One of the key highlights of the bill is the reduction in the maximum amount gamblers can load into EGMs. The current limit of AU$1,000 will be reduced to AU$100. Additionally, a carded-play system will be mandatory, requiring players to set pre-determined spending limits before playing.

Under the new system, a default spending limit of AU$50 will be introduced, but players will have the option to adjust their limits. A pilot program for carded play will begin in mid-2025, with phased implementation across Victoria.

Crown Melbourne, the state’s largest casino operator, has already adopted mandatory carded play, setting a precedent for the industry.

Slowing Down Spin Rates

The bill also proposes to reduce spin rates for gaming machines. From December 1, 2025, newly approved machines must have a minimum spin rate of three seconds, slowing gameplay by 40%. This measure is designed to limit impulsive gambling and promote safer gaming habits.

Addressing Gambling Harm

Minister Melissa Horne emphasized the necessity of these reforms, citing alarming statistics about gambling harm in Victoria.

“Almost 30% of Victorians who play gaming machines face gambling harm. This legislation is about protecting not just players but their families and communities.”

Horne also highlighted how gambling-related harm extends beyond individuals, affecting loved ones and contributing to broader societal issues.

Crown Melbourne’s CEO, Mike Volkert, echoed these sentiments, stating:

“Carded play is essential to developing a safer gaming environment. These measures ensure consistent protections for all players.”

Broader Context and Challenges

Victoria’s proposed gambling reforms are part of a broader movement across Australia to address the societal impacts of gambling. While progress is being made at the state level, national initiatives, such as banning gambling advertisements, have faced delays.

Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland recently withdrew a bill on misinformation, leaving the timeline for gambling ad bans uncertain. Advocacy groups and opposition leaders continue to push for stronger nationwide measures, including an immediate ban on online gambling ads and a partial ban on TV ads starting in 2026.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, led by Labor MP Peta Murphy, has called for a total ban on gambling advertisements, reflecting growing public concern over gambling-related harm.

The Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 represents a pivotal moment for Victoria’s gambling industry. By introducing mandatory limits, carded-play systems, and slower spin rates, the government aims to mitigate gambling harm and create a safer environment for players.

While Victoria leads with progressive reforms, the broader conversation around gambling regulation in Australia continues to evolve. Delays in federal-level advertising bans highlight the challenges of enacting nationwide changes.

For Victoria, however, these reforms set a clear path forward, balancing industry sustainability with the urgent need to protect communities from gambling-related harm. As implementation progresses, these measures could serve as a model for other regions seeking to modernize their approach to responsible gambling.