Several gambling amendments were discussed throughout 2024 in Victoria, following a staggering 30% gambling harm report. Victorian authorities have already introduced certain measures to tackle the situation and have announced plans for additional responsible gambling policies.
Local authorities proudly announced that the following changes are the strictest gambling measures ever applied in Australia. They include:
- Carded play becomes the new norm in Victorian casinos, with other states likely to follow. A pilot program launched in 2025, and carded play will become compulsory from 2026.
- Single deposit limits for pokies machines cut from A$1,000 to A$100. That’s significantly lower than NSW’s A$500 single-play limit. Also, players will be required to proactively set a spending limit starting at A$50.
- From December 1st, 2025, and onwards, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission will only approve pokies machines that play at 3 seconds per spin rate. This measure slows down the gameplay by 40%.
- Finally, since August 2024, all gaming areas in Victoria are required to shut down between 4 am to 10 am.
Operators appear to welcome these changes, not that they had any say really. A Crown Casino representative responded saying that their Melbourne casino hotel had already made carded play compulsory since 2021. During that time, Crown Melbourne was facing serious money laundering accusations and was involved in several other scandals.
Naturally, gaming cards bring several benefits online pokies players are well accustomed to. They enable gameplay limits, and proper activity tracking, and protect players and operators from unknowingly being implicated in crimes.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission appears to take inspiration from the UK Gambling Commission judging from the two other measures it introduced. Casinos in the UK also shut down during similar timeframes, and 3 seconds per spin has been the norm at gaming venues (both offline and online).
The only measure that seems particularly intrusive is the A$100 single deposit limit. This regulation doesn’t take into account high rollers wagering A$50 or A$100 per spin and leaves them without an alternative since online casino gambling is illegal in Victoria. I guess that this new rule will also affect progressive jackpot prizes regularly topping A$1 million.
Currently, the maximum bet limit at pokies machines in Victoria is set at A$5 per spin. Let’s see for how long this will last.
- About the Author
- Affiliate Disclosure
Michael has reviewed and verified all information on this page. Having worked in the iGaming industry for over 8 years, he is the most capable person to help you navigate online casinos, pokies, and the Australian gambling landscape.
