Who is the Strategic Inquiries Unit
The Strategic Inquiries Unit (SIU) helps the Commission explore a broad range of matters to further understand risks and issues within the gambling industry.
The bingo inquiry
The first inquiry focuses on the bingo sector, exploring “Keeping bingo social, safe and fair”.
We are working with the bingo industry, community organisations and citizens, to improve regulatory oversight of a sector that has not been examined in-depth for some time.
The inquiry is focused on the parts of the bingo sector that operate in commercial settings and support charitable fundraising. Bingo is regulated under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic) to make sure that:
- community organisations benefit from profits made
- practices that could undermine public trust and confidence are eliminated
- bingo centre operators act fairly in providing commercial fundraising services.
The inquiry will focus on:
- understanding the customer experience of playing bingo to fundraise and in commercial settings
- the role of bingo in fundraising, including the role of charities and not for profit entities
- the practices of entities and individuals who are part of the bingo industry
- how regulatory and industry practice can be improved.
Why we are looking at bingo
Bingo is played and enjoyed by people of all ages in many parts of our community. It can provide social connection and help improve memory and concentration. It is also an important means for community and charitable fundraising.
In recent years, the bingo landscape has changed, from paper-based to electronic devices, with large jackpots.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has received reports of unlicensed operators and the risk of fraudulent activities. We are also aware of questions over community benefit – whether community and charitable organisations are getting their fair share and whether benefits are being passed on to the Victorian community.
This has raised questions about fairness, integrity, and the risk of gambling harm. This is concerning because of the potential vulnerability of many bingo customers such as seniors, women, people on low incomes and certain First Nations and migrant communities.
We are committed to ensuring the integrity of bingo operations and ensuring they remain social, safe and fair for all Victorians.
How we engaged with community and industry
The VGCCC has engaged with industry and the community through:
- a discussion paper and invitation to respond
- visiting venues and surveying operators
- surveying customers and community organisations
- meeting with a selection of interested parties.
More information about the inquiry is available on the Engage Vic (opens in a new window)website.
If you have a question about the inquiry, please contact us by email at Strategic.Inquiries.Unit@vgccc.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
*The consultation period for this inquiry has now closed.
Consultation
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission is reviewing and considering all feedback provided through the public engagement process.
A total of 16 venues were visited, 640 surveys of customers, bingo providers and community organisations were received and 14 written submissions. A roundtable discussion with industry and community was also hosted.
We have published the written submissions, they can be found on the Engage Vic (opens in a new window)website.
Our report is currently under development. It is intended for public release.
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