Victorian Gaming Minister Melissa Horne plans to present some of the nation’s strictest poker machine regulations to parliament this week.
Initially revealed last year, these pokies reforms were developed under the leadership of former premier Daniel Andrews, who has since been replaced by Jacinta Allan.
“We owe it to all Victorians to take this stance and help those experiencing harm to turn their lives around,” Mr. Andrews said at the time.
One of the key measures is the implementation of “carded play,” scheduled for a trial in selected venues starting mid-2025.
Under this system, players will be required to use a cashless card and can set limits on their gambling losses. The aim is to reduce harm by encouraging players to “pre-commit” to the amount they are willing to wager.
Besides safeguarding players, the legislation also targets the misuse of gaming machines for money laundering.
Another mooted pokies reform includes capping the maximum amount of money loaded onto machines, cutting it from $1000 to $100.
Additionally, the “spin rate” on machines will be extended to three seconds per spin to slow down gameplay. These adjustments, subject to the bill’s approval, are slated to take effect on December 1, 2025.
Starting August, all gaming areas in the state’s clubs and hotels will face mandatory closures from 4AM. to 10AM.
But what about online pokies?
In true government style, the ALP has chosen to ignore the proliferation of money going to offshore online casinos, which often house upwards of 2000 pokies games.
While many Australians gamble on legal pokies games in a regulated environment, many don’t, instead choosing to play with these offshore casinos.
Surely regulating online pokies, rather than having no safeguards, does more to help Australians than tinkering around the edges of existing legislation.
A regulated industry would bring Australia into the modern world, which other western countries, like the United Kingdom and USA, have embraced.
Even if they don’t do it for altruistic reasons, taxing the online pokies industry means everyone will benefit, just like we do by having Crown Casino in our midst.