Card-based gambling legislation approved in Victoria, with implementation delayed due to ongoing industry consultations, prior to trial commencement.
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The Australian state of Victoria has taken a monumental step forward in gaming regulation with the passing of the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024 by the Victorian Parliament on May 27, 2025. This legislation marks a significant shift in addressing gambling-related harm through the introduction of a mandatory pre-commitment system for electronic gaming machines, offering players control over their gambling activities [1][2].
Interestingly, a surprising development unfolds as the planned trial of the carded play system, initially scheduled for May-June 2025, is indefinitely postponed [1][2]. This move allows for comprehensive stakeholder consultation and a review of best practices in other jurisdictions, with the aim of exploring technology-neutral approaches to implementation.
Key Highlights
- Carded Play System: Every gaming machine user will be required to obtain a government-issued, registered player card, enabling a comprehensive tracking and control system [1][2].
- Responsible Gambling Tools: Registered cards will allow players to establish personal spending and time limits before gaming sessions begin, empowering proactive gaming behaviors rather than reactive interventions [1][2].
- Improved Monitoring: The card system will link to a centralized government-monitored system, designed to track spending patterns, identify potential money laundering activities, and detect signs of problem gambling across the state's gaming machine network [1][2].
- Slower Gameplay: New gaming machines approved after December 1, 2025, will operate with a minimum 3-second spin rate, four times slower than the current rate. This modification is geared towards slowing the pace of potential losses and providing players with additional time for thoughtful decisions [1].
- Lower Cash Input Limits: The maximum cash input per transaction will be reduced from A$1,000 to A$100, necessitating more conscious decisions about continued play [1].
Financial Forecasts
EGM tax revenue is projected to decrease from A$1.359 billion in 2023-24 to A$1.154 billion in 2026-27, attributable to the implemented reforms [3]. Venue operators are bracing themselves for potential revenue declines of 10-15%, and may face operational challenges [3]. Nevertheless, experts see potential economic benefits, with reduced problem gambling leading to decreased social services costs and increased productivity [3].
Industry Dynamics
The legislation has sparked a mixed response, with gambling harm reduction advocates backing the measures and venue operators expressing concerns about the financial and operational ramifications [3]. The phased rollout, expected post-2026 state elections, will also consider the input gathered from ongoing stakeholder consultations [3].
The future of gambling regulation in Australia could be influenced by Victoria's approach, with other Australian states observing the outcomes and considering their own responses. Additionally, the legislation aligns with international trends towards enhanced gambling regulation, including the incorporation of responsible gambling technology, AI-driven intervention systems, and blockchain-based transparency measures [4].
What Lies Ahead
The delay in the trial provides an opportunity for the Victorian government to address practical concerns and work closely with industry stakeholders to develop effective support systems. By focusing on technical integration, privacy and data protection, and operational adaptation, the government aims to achieve a balance between financial sustainability and harm reduction [5]. The coming months of consultation and system development will pave the way for Victoria's ambitious goals of reducing gambling harm and setting important precedents for other jurisdictions.
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References
[1] Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission. (2025, May 30). "Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024." https://www.vgccc.vic.gov.au/gambling-legislation-amendment-pre-commitment-and-carded-play-bill-2024
[2] Premier of Victoria. (2025, May 30). "Next step in landmark reforms to reduce gambling harm." https://www2.premier.vic.gov.au/media-releases/next-step-in-landmark-reforms-to-reduce-gambling-harm
[3] Wangaratta Chronicle. (2025, May 30). "Victoria's gambling crackdown sparks industry backlash over mandatory carded play." https://www.wangarattachronicle.com.au/story/8166204/victorias-gambling-crackdown-sparks-industry-backlash-over-mandatory-carded-play/
[4] ClubTIC. (2025, May 30). "Victoria puts off carded play." https://www.clubtic.com.au/news/victoria-puts-off-carded-play
[5] Enrichment Data for Additional Insights: Comprehensive Reform Framework, Industry Reactions and Stakeholder Positions, Financial Impact and Revenue Projections, Broader Context and National Implications, Implementation Challenges and Considerations, Future Outlook and Implementation Timeline.
The online gambling industry is closely watching the developments in Victoria, as the delayed trial of the carded play system could introduce technology-neutral approaches and responsible gambling tools. Financial analysts forecast a potential decrease in revenue for the industry due to the new regulations, but see long-term economic benefits from reduced problem gambling. The Victorian government aims to strike a balance between financial sustainability and harm reduction by addressing practical concerns, ensuring technical integration, privacy, and data protection, and adapting operationally during the consultation and system development phase.
