Victoria Poker Machine Pre-commitment: Most Victorians support the plan for poker machines to have pre-commitment limits and credit card requirements. This was a promise by Daniel Michael Andrews‘ government. Local politicians have not yet set a firm date for these changes.
The Age reported that a study by Resolve Political Monitor found that 57% of people in the state want stricter rules on Victorian poker machines. Under these changes, players in the state must set limits on their daily poker machine losses before playing. Only 10% of Victorians disagreed with these changes. Poker machine players in Victoria must now use cashless game cards. Approximately 33% of survey participants haven’t decided on their stance regarding the government’s plans.
Government officials announced various changes, including revised hours for poker machine usage. Starting in mid-2024, businesses will close from 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM, except Crown Casino.
As Casino Guardian reported, the Andrews Government announced regulatory changes in July for Victoria’s online gambling business. Premier Andrews said these changes would make the state a leader in gambling and money laundering safeguards.
Premier Andrews’ government hasn’t announced the timing of these changes yet. Due to these changes, the government urges Victorian politicians and the local gambling industry to increase communication.
Also Read: Melissa Horne Promise: Transforming Poker Machine Regulations in Victoria
Clubs and businesses have until Sept. 20 to share their thoughts on this issue. The government will consider this feedback as it seeks to transform the gaming industry.
The group leader, Carol Bennett, supports the planned changes. She also mentioned that the state can’t claim to have the strictest gambling laws in Australia without setting a date for the implementation of pre-commitment rules for Victoria’s 27,372 poker machines.
The state government had already mandated that the 2,628 poker machines at the Crown casino must comply with pre-commitment rules by 2021. This was done based on the Finkelstein Royal Commission’s recommendation.
Victoria has rules about pre-committing to controversial poker machines. Tasmania was the first Australian state to allow credit card use for poker machines. This occurred in 2022. In Dec 2024, this change would be official.
Local experts say that some of the Andrews Government’s planned reforms may not be sufficient to align Victoria with the poker machine changes in other Australian states.
Our Reader’s Queries
Is pre-commitment mandatory in Victoria?
Starting December 2023, all casino-goers playing gaming machines will need to utilize YourPlay, a pre-commitment system that tracks their play. By December 2025, this requirement will extend to table games such as poker and baccarat, necessitating the development of new table game technology.
What are the new laws on pokies in Victoria?
Starting mid-2024, a new law will require all gaming machine areas in venues, excluding Crown casino, to close from 4am to 10am. This regulation aims to promote responsible gambling and prevent excessive gaming during early morning hours.
What are the reforms for Victorian poker machines?
To promote responsible gambling, players will now be required to set daily loss limits before playing. Additionally, the maximum amount that can be played per game has been reduced to $100, down from $1000. To further encourage responsible gambling, all pokies areas in venues, except for Crown casino, will be closed between 4am and 10am. Furthermore, the “spin rate” on pokies has been lowered from 2.1 seconds per game to three seconds. These measures aim to create a safer and more enjoyable gambling experience for all players.
Who allowed poker machines into Victoria?
Joan Kirner advocated for the implementation of pokie machines in Victoria.