Wednesday, 30 July 2025

Ministers statements: gambling harm

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:19): I rise to update the house on how the Allan Labor government is continuing to lead the nation on efforts to reduce and prevent gambling harm. Last week I was pleased to announce that we are rolling out our landmark gambling reforms with the first trial of mandatory account-based play to kick off from September. We will commence a trial of mandatory account-based play across gaming venues in Monash, Greater Dandenong and Ballarat LGAs. Running until November, people at these venues will need to use a YourPlay card to use electronic gaming machines, helping them to take control and make better choices.

The design of the trial follows ongoing consultation with peak industry bodies, ensuring venues and staff are supported every step of the way. Our approach was influenced by hearing personal stories from people with lived experience of gambling harm, and advocates like the Alliance for Gambling Reform also provided important insights that helped shape these changes we made. The trial will evaluate both the technology and its impact on patrons and help guide future decisions.

Victoria is leading the way in gambling harm reduction and building on reforms that this government has already delivered – this includes mandatory venue closure periods between 4 am and 10 am, limiting EFTPOS withdrawals and capping the number of gaming machines in our state – and we are making further improvements from this December. We are reducing load-up limits on machines from $1000 to $100 and slowing spin rates on new gaming machines to help reduce the rate of play. This government is committed to tackling gambling harm and delivering stronger protections for all Victorians, leading the nation in safer, fairer gambling reforms.