Legislative and regulatory requirements

Gambling Regulation Act 2003

The requirements of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (the Act) are intended to:

  • encourage responsible gambling
  • minimise harm caused by problem gambling
  • accommodate those who gamble, without causing harm
  • promote statewide:
    • tourism
    • employment, and
    • economic development.

The Act also makes sure:

  • minors are not allowed, or encouraged, to gamble
  • gaming on gaming machines is conducted honestly
  • management of gaming areas is crime and exploitation free
  • community and charitable gaming benefits the community
  • community and charitable practices that could undermine public confidence in gaming are removed
  • bingo centre operators do not act unfairly
  • forms of gambling permitted under this, or any other Act are:
    • conducted honestly, and
    • free from criminal influence and exploitation.

Acts and regulations

The following acts and regulations provide information for a range of specific matters relating to:

  • gambling regulation, and
  • the gaming industry.

They complement the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 and offer more detail of its intentions.

Directions and guidelines

We have approved specific directions and guidelines that must be followed by:

  • venue operators
  • venue operator associates, and
  • nominees.

Penalties apply for failure to comply with these requirements.

Venue operator

View the following links for more information.

  • Exemption from keeping gaming records on the premises:
Section 3.7.5(2) Gaming Records Exemptions Banking, accounting and auditing
PDF 226.76 KB
(opens in a new window)

  • Gaming machines requirements: VGCCC Directions under Section 3.5.27 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003:
Commission Directions under section 3.5.27
PDF 87.79 KB
(opens in a new window)

  • Display of gaming machine play restrictions trade promotion lottery:
Display of gaming machine play restrictions trade promotion lottery
PDF 227.76 KB
(opens in a new window)

  • Commission Rules for Venue Operators:
Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Rules
PDF 116.99 KB
(opens in a new window)

  • Guidelines for where the Commission Rules are kept on gaming venue premises:
Guidelines For Notice Under Section 3.5.25 To Venue Operators
PDF 290.12 KB
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  • Sample notice: display of notice about the Commission Rules:
Commission Rules Sample
Word 967.99 KB
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  • Guidelines for display of notice of under 18 years in gaming venue:
Direction under section 10.7.9 of the Gambling
PDF 222.64 KB
(opens in a new window)

  • Sample notice display of notice of under 18 years in gaming venue:
Under-18 sample sign
Word 99.79 KB
(opens in a new window)

Gambling Regulation Act 2003

All gambling industry operators and individuals must comply with Victoria's gambling laws, including the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 and Casino Control Act 1991. This includes obligations for responsible gambling practices, gaming regulations, and operational standards. Failure to comply can lead to penalties and enforcement actions by the VGCCC.

Gambling and gambling-related offences

Understand the definition of gambling under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003, including authorised and unauthorised gambling activities.

YourPlay

YourPlay is a voluntary pre-commitment system that helps individuals track and limit their time and money spent on gaming machines in Victoria. It’s a tool to support safer gambling, with venue staff required to assist players. Learn about YourPlay requirements, logo usage, and compliance standards for venues.

Patrons

Venue operators must ensure compliance with rules on patron conduct, welfare, and access to gaming areas. They must allow unrestricted entry to gaming areas during approved hours for individuals over 18, while adhering to licensing conditions. Operators must manage loyalty schemes, patron disputes, and enforce pre-commitment schemes. They also have the right to exclude or remove patrons for misconduct, including intoxication or syndicate play. Compliance with gaming machine laws and dispute resolution procedures is mandatory.

Unclaimed winnings from a poker machine

Venue operators in Victoria must submit unclaimed winnings to the State Revenue Office (SRO) by 31 May each year, as required by the Gambling Regulation Act 2003. Unclaimed winnings include cheques, accumulated credits, tickets, and coins left in gaming machines for over 12 months. Operators must ensure accurate records, review unclaimed tickets daily, and report unclaimed winnings using the appropriate templates or system reports. Compliance is essential, and failure to submit unclaimed winnings on time may result in enforcement action.

Updated

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