Victoria has officially passed a groundbreaking law aimed at curbing gambling harm, but a key trial of its most ambitious reform has been delayed. The Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024, passed by the Victorian Parliament on May 27, sets the stage for a carded play system that will require gamblers to register and use personal cards to access electronic gaming machines. This reform is designed to help you track your gambling habits and set limits on time and spending. However, the trial initially planned for May to June 2025 has been pushed back to a later date.
In towns like Colac, where pokies have long been a part of the local entertainment landscape, the implications are particularly significant. Venues offering popular Australian pokie titles like Queen of the Nile, Lightning Link, and Big Red are staples in clubs and hotels. According to iGaming expert Gavin Beech, popular Aussie options include classic 3-reel games, feature-packed video slots, and high-volatility options with massive payouts. These machines provide recreation for players, mostly as an online option because of their availability. Colac values community well-being as much as entertainment, so this law might be the right path to balance.
Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne underscored the human impact of the legislation. “These reforms are about restoring control to players and protecting lives and livelihoods,” she stated. “The impact of gambling extends beyond the individual—it affects families and communities. These measures are designed to offer critical safeguards for both users of gaming machines and those close to them.”
The trial delay, according to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), allows time to learn from similar efforts elsewhere and refine the technology to suit a range of gaming environments. “Further ministerial directions and supporting regulations will be developed for consideration,” the VGCCC noted. The commission also stressed that the system must be flexible, technology-neutral, and carefully coordinated with industry stakeholders before it is rolled out.
Even with the trial on hold, other reforms are moving ahead. From December 2025, newly approved gaming machines across Victoria will have to operate at a minimum spin rate of three seconds per game. That’s a significant 40% slowdown from the current standard of 2.14 seconds, giving players more time between spins to pause and reflect.
While this might seem like a minor adjustment, the impact on places like Colac could be tangible. Slower machines mean less compulsive play and potentially lower losses for those most at risk. For local hospitality venues, it may also prompt a shift in how gaming areas are managed and promoted.
The Victorian government says its commitment to harm minimisation is unwavering, even as it fine-tunes the framework. The delay in the trial isn’t a step back but a chance to make sure the reform is effective, inclusive, and adaptable to the state’s unique gambling landscape. For Colac and other regional communities, this means that while change may come more gradually than expected, it is still on the horizon, backed by a firm intention to put people before profit.
