Victoria Implements Tighter Gambling Regulations and Expands Restrictions in Australia

The state government of Victoria, Australia, has passed the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2025. This legislation mandates the introduction of player cards on poker machines, providing gamblers the ability to set loss limits and track their gambling activities, which ultimately helps in managing their gambling habits more effectively.

**_The government of Victoria, Australia, has officially passed the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2025, aiming to give players more control over their gambling habits._**

**Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne commented on the new legislation, stating:**

> “Almost 30% of Victorians who play gaming machines experience gambling harm. These laws will save lives and livelihoods by giving control back to patrons. Gambling harm has consequences, not just for the person gambling but for everyone around them.”

Although the legislation has been approved, the implementation of carded play has been temporarily postponed. This delay will allow additional time for identifying the best technological solutions and for gathering input from both experts in the field and the gambling industry.

**The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission further explained:**

> “Further ministerial directions and supporting regulations will be developed for consideration, along with consultation with industry and stakeholders on timelines for the future implementation of the trial before it commences.”

Moreover, any new poker machines approved after December 2025 will have to operate at a reduced speed, with each spin lasting a minimum of three seconds. This measure, which slows down the gameplay by 40% compared to current machines, aims to reduce the fast-paced gambling that frequently leads to significant harm.