The Victorian government has introduced Australia‘s most stringent regulations on poker machines, cutting the maximum load-up limit from AUD1,000 (€619) to AUD100 (€62). The reforms, presented to state parliament this week, aim to curb gambling harm and strengthen anti-money laundering measures. The changes include the introduction of mandatory “carded play,” requiring players to use a player card to operate gaming machines.
The player card system allows gamblers to set loss limits, with a default precommitment of AUD50 (€31) that users can adjust. It also provides real-time information about gambling activity, promoting responsible play. According to Gaming Minister Melissa Horne, the reforms will “save lives and livelihoods by giving control back to patrons.”
Carded play rollout and implementation
The rollout of carded play will commence in mid-2025, starting with a pilot programme in selected venues before becoming mandatory across the state. Melbourne’s Crown Casino has already implemented this measure, following recommendations from the 2021 royal commission into its licence. Crown Melbourne CEO Mike Volkert lauded the reforms, stating that Crown’s experience demonstrates that carded play fosters a safer gaming environment.
In the past year, over 400,000 patrons have registered for carded play at Crown Melbourne’s 3,000 electronic gaming machines. Crown Resorts noted that the initiative ensures compliance with industry best practices, supporting a safer and more sustainable gaming environment statewide.
Slower spin rates and reduced game speed
As part of the legislative changes, all poker 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. This adjustment, expected to slow gameplay by 40 percent, is designed to reduce potential gambling losses.
The reforms also reinforce measures introduced in September requiring gaming areas in pubs and clubs to close between 4 AM and 10 AM. However, these mandatory closure periods exclude Crown Casino.
A national benchmark for gambling regulations
Victoria’s new rules set a higher standard than those in New South Wales, which recently reduced the load-up limit from AUD5,000 (€3,095) to AUD500 (€400) and plans to implement mandatory carded play by 2028. By comparison, Victoria’s reforms demonstrate a more aggressive timeline and stricter controls.
Melissa Horne highlighted the severity of gambling harm in the state, revealing that nearly 30 percent of Victorians using gaming machines experience its adverse effects. She said gambling harm has consequences, not just for the person gambling but for everyone around them, emphasising the importance of these protections for gamblers and their families.
A step towards safer gaming
The Victorian government’s latest measures build on previous reforms aimed at minimising gambling-related harm, introduced under former premier Daniel Andrews. The reforms are being hailed as the most comprehensive in Australia, offering a framework that could influence policies in other states.
With these new regulations, Victoria is setting a benchmark for responsible gaming practices, paving the way for a safer and more sustainable gambling environment.
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