The Victorian government is proceeding with its reforms dubbed “the strictest gambling laws in Australia” as it moves legislation through parliament to create the framework for mandatory carded play.
Poker machines (EGMs) were introduced in Victoria in 1992, and the number of machines has not changed much since the initial statewide cap of 30K.
The Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill is aiming to introduce mandatory carded play – transitioning from the current voluntary pre-commitment system into a compulsory system.
Players will be required to insert their card to operate a poker machine, allowing them to set spend limits and be provided with information about their gambling.
The Bill also wants the maximum amount players can feed into EGMs slashed from $1000 to $100.
Furthermore, it stipulates that new machines approved (by the VGCCC) after 1 December this year will be required to have a spin rate of at least three seconds per game, a time increase of 40 per cent, aiming to reduce the rate of play and potentially money spent by gamblers.
Recommendations out of the royal commission into Crown Casino in 2021 resulted in the casino being forced to introduce similar compulsory carded play requirements on the nearly 3K EGMs it operates.
The Bill was initially tabled in the Victorian parliament at the end of November, with amendments issued this month.
These proposals expand on legislation introduced under former premier Daniel Andrews that aimed to reduce both the financial and health impacts on gamblers in Victoria. This drive already brought the mandatory closure period (4am-10am) dictated for all gaming venues, which began last August.
The Bill was tabled by Gaming Minister Melissa Horne, who makes the claim that “Almost 30 per cent” of EGM players in Victoria “experience gambling harm”.
“These reforms provide important protections for people using gaming machines and for their loved ones.”
Easing into the transition, the state government says it is taking a “phased approach”, announcing a pilot program at selected venues slated, to begin mid-2025.
The reforms have met criticism from industry, the introduction described as ‘rushed’ and questions raised around the feasibility of a state-wide technology overhaul, which has not been done anywhere else in the world, and would require major tech and the involvement of major manufacturers.
Community Clubs Victoria’s CEO Andrew Lloyd is also concerned about the casino’s data underpinning the government’s proposal.
“From a project management perspective, you need to undertake an evaluation and ask: ‘Is Crown successful? Has it eradicated laundering? Has it addressed minimisation?’ before you continue trotting that out for hotels and clubs.
“So far, we haven’t seen any of that evaluation data, which is what needs to occur.”
There are questions regarding Crown Casino’s influence and lobbying around the broader rollout of this policy.
AHA Victoria says it supports the implementation of measures aimed at minimising harm and combatting money laundering, with CEO Paddy O’Sullivan offering that they were working with government to ensure the pilot delivers key insights, to “drive appropriate outcomes”.
Dylan Clark, owner of the Esplanade Hotel in Inverloch, suggests it will be “challenging” and will discourage patrons, who already aren’t interested in signing up for the optional pre-commitment.
“The punters don’t want it, especially our older punters. They don’t like technology.”
While it is widely accepted that the changes will reduce gaming revenue in venues, putting potentially fatal pressure on those already struggling, the loss of revenue will also impact the community benefits venues can provide. This comes while there is no guarantee the mandatory cards will change the behaviour of problem gamblers, who can easily gamble online instead.
Francis Venues’ MD Tom Francis is disappointed in the government’s decision to continue with mandatory carded play, which he sees as “fraught and problematic”, particularly in light of the disappointing results out of the cashless gaming trial in NSW and Victoria’s current system.
“Your Play, and its minimal uptake, shows the system is a technical failure and cannot be utilized as mandatory,” says Francis.
Many in the industry point to South Australia’s systems, using facial recognition technology to bolster self-exclusion and help venues help punters. Similar systems have now been slated for trial in NSW.
“It’s obviously the best option nationwide to ensure gambling harm is reduced and families and patrons are protected,” adds Francis.
