Australia v Victoria
Overview
Victoria pursues a tough harm reduction policy: a ban on "inducements" (calls to open an account, etc.) and static betting advertising; at the rate level, the Point-of-Consumption Tax is 15%; a package of reforms has been deployed for EGM: mandatory pre-commitment and "carded play," download limit, spin slowdown and mandatory daily "window" for closing gaming halls. Supervision of the entire market - at VGCCC; Crown Melbourne casino is operating under increased scrutiny and disciplinary action.
Regulators and legal framework
VGCCC (Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission) - betting licensing/supervision, EGM in pubs/clubs and casinos; publishes guidance and reporting (Annual Report 2023-24).
Main acts:- Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic) - remote and ground environment, advertising, "inducements," cashless gaming authority.
- Casino Control/Management Acts (Vic) - mode for Crown Melbourne and compliance conditions (incl. pre-commitment/card-play). (See VGCCC disciplinary releases.)
Online wagering and advertising (state rules complement the federal IGA)
Prohibition of "inducements": operators are not entitled to offer credits/vouchers/bonuses prompting to open an account or invite a friend; violation - offense under GRA 2003.
Static bid advertising (out-of-home/posters, etc.) - punishable (s. 4. 7. 1).
Complaints about bookmakers/races - VGCCC accepts appeals on the imposition of "inducements" and other practices.
Taxes: Point-of-Consumption (PoCT)
PoCT Vicky: 15% of net wagering revenue over A $1 million for Victoria customers (administered by SRO Vic). From 2023, rules have been introduced for grouping related WSPs to calculate PoCT.
Slot machines (EGMs) in pubs/clubs: Key reforms
"Card" game and limits: a package of state reforms (announced 16. 07. 2023) includes a mandatory pre-commitment/" carded play," a load limit on machines and spin slowdown to reduce harm and AML risks.
Daily closing window: Playrooms can only operate 10: 00-04: 00; the rest of the time - closed.
Crown Melbourne casino: Special requirements and enforcement
Mandatory pre-commitment and "carded play" (from December 2023) have been introduced for casino poker machines. In 2025, VGCCC recorded limit violations in some customers; censure and prescriptions were issued.
What is/is not allowed (high-level)
Allowed
Sports/horse racing betting at licensed providers in compliance with federal IGA and state regulations.
EGM in licensed pubs/clubs in the hours of 10: 00-04: 00, subject to RG requirements.
Prohibited/Restricted
Any "inducements" (registration bonus, "open an account," "invite a friend," etc.).
Static bid ads.
Non-compliance with pre-commitment/card-play and other RG settings is the subject of sanctions.
Harm reduction and compliance measures
Pre-commitment/YourPlay and carded play - mandatory and configurations are expanded by law (see government brief and Bill 2024/2025).
The pace of the game and download limits are a decrease in maximum downloads and ~ minimum of 3 seconds per spin (according to the reform package and public messages from the authorities).
Advertising and communications - compliance with statutory prohibitions + federal NCPF/BetStop (self-exclusion).
Checklist for Operators and Suppliers (Victoria)
1. Marketing: eliminate "inducements" and static advertising; audit of creatives and partnerships (sports clubs/leagues).
2. PoCT: correctly calculate 15% taking into account grouping rules for related WSPs; match geo customers.
3. EGM & venues: Ensure carded play/pre-commitment, observe hours 10: 00-04: 00, store RG logs and incidents.
4. Casino/vendors: comply with Crown mode (carded, limits, reporting); readiness for VGCCC inspections.
Perspective (2025-2027)
Victoria consolidates the course towards total carded support and a managed environment: expansion of pre-commitment, technological filters, unification with federal measures (BetStop/NCPF), plus strict PoCT. For the market, this means a high compliance threshold and priority of RG/AML technologies in pubs/clubs and casinos.
Terms
VGCCC - Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (regulator).
GRA 2003 (Vic) is the state's basic gambling law; prohibition of "inducements," advertising frame, cashless powers.
PoCT (Vic) - tax at the place of consumption of rates: 15% of net wagering revenue over A $1 million
Pre-commitment/Carded play - mandatory identification/limits and card play (incl. Crown; scaling status).