The Allan Labor Government is rolling out its landmark gambling reforms, with a trial of mandatory account-based play to kick off at select venues from September.
Following ongoing consultation with industry and stakeholders, the trial will run across all 43 venues with gaming machines in Monash, Greater Dandenong and Ballarat from September to November.
People gambling at these venues will need to use a YourPlay card to play electronic gaming machines and set loss limits - helping put the power back into the hands of patrons and prevent money laundering. Cards can be obtained on-the-spot in venues.
Mandatory account-based play will offer people more control over their gambling habits and can provide them with greater insight into how much they spend gambling.
Venues and their staff will be supported throughout the trial period with staff training, communication materials and in-venue support.
The trial builds on the Labor Government's existing gambling reforms, including:
- Mandatory closure periods from 4am to 10am for gaming areas in all Victorian hotels and clubs
- Slowing spin rates of new gaming machines
- Limiting EFTPOS cash withdrawals to $500 per card in 24 hours
- Capping the number of gaming machines in the state at the current level until 2042
- Prohibiting the advertising or operation of cheque cashing services in or around gaming venues
- Introducing a new code of conduct to strengthen the obligations of venue operators to better respond to suspected problem gambling.
These reforms also build on the nation-leading protections introduced at Crown and the establishment of the state's tough regulator - the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.
As stated by Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Enver Erdogan
"We're leading the country with our major reforms to prevent gambling harm across Victoria."
"This trial is an important first step - helping people take control of their gambling and make better choices."
