Victoria Casinos Must Require Carded Play for Slots Customers
The Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill of 2025 was passed this week in Victoria, marking the first time Australia has made it mandatory for casinos in the country to exercise “carded play”.
A law has passed requiring carded play in Victoria casinos.
Key Facts:
- Casinos in Victoria will need to provide carded play to customers using gaming machines
- A trial to challenge the legality of carded play requirements has been postponed for now
- Victoria is the first major state or region to require carded play on all gaming machines in retail casinos
The state of Victoria, Australia, has announced a postponement of the planned trial for mandatory “carded play” in casinos in that territory, despite the recent passage of significant new legislation aimed at regulating gaming activities.
The Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2025, approved by the state parliament on Tuesday, June 3, sets the stage for sweeping changes in how gaming machines (specifically slot machines) will operate in the region.
Pre-Commitment System to Be Implemented
Under the new bill, Victoria will implement a mandatory pre-commitment system, meaning that all players will soon be required to use a player card to engage with gaming machines.
This system, widely known as “carded play,” will allow players to set limits on their gambling, access real-time data on their activity, and make more informed decisions about their gaming behavior. It is designed to give patrons greater control and transparency, with the goal of reducing gambling harm.
Three-Second Spin Rate Now Mandatory
Additionally, the new legislation mandates that, starting in December 2025 in Victoria, new gaming machines must have a spin rate of no less than three seconds per game.
This change is expected to slow down the pace of play by approximately 40%—a measure aimed at mitigating the risk of compulsive gambling by reducing the rapid-fire nature of modern gaming machines.
These changes are the first of their kind in Australia and are seen as a possible harbinger for changes elsewhere in the nation, where casinos are legal throughout in regulated form.
Minister for Casino, Gaming, and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne, emphasized the importance of the legislation in protecting Victorians from gambling-related harm.
“Nearly 30% of Victorians who engage with gaming machines are at risk of gambling harm”, she noted. “These reforms are about saving lives and livelihoods, providing players with the tools to take control of their gambling activities and making the gaming environment safer for all.”
Trial Challenging Carded Play is in Limbo
While the new bill marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape, the anticipated trial of carded play, which was initially scheduled for later this year, will now be delayed.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) cited the need for additional time to study best practices from other jurisdictions and to explore a range of technology options that will support the implementation of the system.
As part of this delay, further consultation with industry stakeholders will be carried out to finalize the framework and timelines for the trial’s eventual rollout.
“We want to ensure that the system we put in place works effectively for everyone involved. This delay will allow us to refine the approach and make sure we’re using the most appropriate technology to help patrons manage their gambling.” – VGCCC spokesperson, Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission
Victoria’s gaming industry has long been a focal point of debate regarding responsible gambling practices.
The state is home to a number of large-scale gaming venues, including Crown Casino in Melbourne, and has seen an increase in gambling harm in recent years.
In response, the state government has moved toward more stringent controls, such as the introduction of carded play and other measures to combat the negative effects of gambling.
The decision to introduce a mandatory pre-commitment system reflects a broader national and global trend toward regulating gambling behavior more closely.
While Victoria’s gaming industry remains a significant contributor to the state’s economy, with billions of dollars in revenue each year, the social costs of problem gambling have placed pressure on lawmakers to introduce reforms.
The most recent legislative changes are part of a growing effort to create a more responsible gaming environment.
By allowing patrons to set financial limits and track their spending, the carded play system aims to reduce instances of gambling addiction and protect vulnerable individuals.
However, the effectiveness of such systems remains a topic of discussion among industry experts, particularly regarding the potential for technological solutions to create a seamless experience without overburdening players.
As Victoria prepares for these reforms, it is clear that the state is positioning itself as a leader in responsible gaming regulation, with a firm focus on protecting both the individuals who engage with gaming machines and the wider community from the damaging effects of gambling.
