Law Signals Commitment to Gambling Harm Reduction, But Trial Postponed for Further Consultation
The Victorian Parliament has officially passed the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024, a move seen as a pivotal step in the state’s ongoing commitment to minimise gambling harm. The legislation, passed on 27 May 2025, empowers the Victorian Government to strengthen regulatory oversight over electronic gaming machine usage across the state.
However, the trial phase of the central component of the bill—the mandatory carded play system—has been postponed. Originally slated for May to June 2025, the trial will now be rescheduled, with no new date announced as of yet.
What is ‘Carded Play’?
The carded play system is designed to require players to use a registered player card before accessing any electronic gaming machines (pokies). This system includes pre-commitment tools, allowing users to set personal limits on time and spending, thereby promoting safer gambling habits and greater self-control.
The carded play mechanism forms part of Victoria’s broader pre-commitment strategy, aimed at reducing gambling-related harm by providing tools for voluntary and mandatory intervention.
Industry Consultation and National Best Practices to Guide Implementation
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) confirmed that the delay in trial implementation was intended to allow for thorough consultation with key stakeholders. These include industry bodies, venue operators, technology providers, and harm minimisation experts.
The Government has emphasised the importance of aligning the policy with national best practices and reviewing experiences from other Australian jurisdictions, some of which are already piloting or implementing similar systems. Additionally, the government is exploring technology-neutral solutions, ensuring that regulatory frameworks remain flexible and adaptable to a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
Ongoing Commitment to Responsible Gambling
The Victorian Government reiterated its long-term commitment to responsible gambling reform, noting that the deliberate delay in the trial phase would help build a more effective, evidence-based system. Further ministerial directions and accompanying regulations will be drafted as part of the consultation process to ensure the policy is fit for purpose and achieves its intended goals.
This marks a significant policy milestone, positioning Victoria as a national leader in implementing structured and protective measures aimed at addressing gambling harm while maintaining engagement with the gaming industry.
