Poker machine area size, layout and facilities

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Gaming can only be conducted within a gaming machine area (GMA). The GMA must be approved by the commission to be suitable for the:

  • management, and
  • operation of poker machines (sometimes referred to as gaming machines).

Regulations outline the legal requirements and minimum standards that venue operators must comply with. This ensures the GMA is suitable to conduct gaming and comply with rules.

Location of GMA

A GMA must be located wholly indoors. For more information, refer to section 3.3.7(5) of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (the Act).

A GMA must be physically discrete. Patrons must not be forced to pass through a GMA in order to:

  • enter or leave the venue, or
  • gain access to a facility, such as toilets or a smoking area.

Access to a facility can be through a GMA if there is:

  • an alternative means of accessing that facility which does not require passing through the GMA
  • the same facility available to patrons elsewhere in the venue, outside the GMA.

For more information, refer to the Directions under section 3.5.27 of the Act:

Directions and guidelines gaming machine requirements
PDF 580.68 KB
(opens in a new window)

While these Directions were issued by our predecessor, they remain current and enforceable.

Premises that have a children's play area must also consider the location of this facility in relation to the GMA.

For more information, refer to:

Children's play areas

A children's play area must be designed so that it:

  • is located as far away as practicable from the GMA
  • has no line of sight from, or into, the play area from the GMA
  • does not permit sounds from poker machines to be heard
  • is not directly accessible from the GMA
  • is conducive to being monitored by venue staff to help ensure minors are not left unattended.

For more information, refer to the decision-making guidelines for the assessment of children's play areas in gaming premises(opens in a new window).

Lighting in the GMA

To ensure that GMAs don't become dark, immersive environments, gaming venues must comply with minimum lighting levels.

Lighting in the GMA must comply with the requirements set out in Regulation 8 of the Gambling Regulations 2015(opens in a new window).

Lighting levels should be checked for compliance after any change to a GMA layout that could impact lighting.

Perimeter barriers surrounding GMA

To be physically discrete, a GMA must be separated within the venue by an internal barrier. This must, at a minimum:

  • be sufficiently secure to stop someone trying to:
    • pass through, climb over, or climb under the barrier
    • knock the barrier, or any part of it, over.
  • be 1.2 metres high minimum, if not a floor-to-ceiling wall (unless a service bar/counter forms part of the perimeter barrier)
  • have entrances of no more than 2.5 metres wide
  • provide a permanent fixture at each entrance (to display notices prohibiting persons under 18 years from entering).

Layout of poker machines

Poker machines must be positioned within the GMA:

  • to access exits, fire exits, cashier, bar, toilets and respite seating
  • to allow a minimum distance of:
    • 2 metres between banks of machines with provided chairs
    • 1.5 metres between banks of machines without chairs, and
    • 1.5 metres between a bank of machines and a wall or window
  • with at least 21cm between each machine, and between a poker machine and wall or pillar, to allow enough space for:
    • display and access to talker at the side of each machine (for more information, view the Gambling Regulations 2015)
    • accessing and inspecting the identification number we issue
    • accessing the audit key mechanism
    • regular cleaning and poker machine maintenance.

These requirements are in addition to any non-gaming regulations or statutes, including obligations under a:

  • State of Emergency, or
  • State of Disaster.

Gaming machine bases

Poker machine bases are an important and relevant factor in considering the layout of a GMA. When assessing the GMA layout, we must consider the:

  • size
  • layout
  • facilities, and
  • any other relevant matter.

When installing poker machines, venue operators should consider the following guidelines:

  • poker machine bases must be sturdy
  • poker machines must be able to support, at minimum, the weight of a poker machine and jackpot sign (including additional weight that may be applied, like patrons leaning on the machine)
  • poker machines must sit entirely on their support base
    (no part of the bottom of machines, except for the coin tray, must extend past the base on which they're positioned)
  • poker machines must be securely attached to their base
  • poker machine bases must provide a secure and stable environment for data communications and electrical cables
  • for poker machine bases containing a cash box, locking mechanisms must be attached.

Cabling requirements

There are minimum cabling requirements in gaming venues. They ensure the safety and security of the public, and of venue staff.

Poker machine power and data cabling must follow section 6.25 of the Australian / New Zealand gaming machine national standard.

Poker machine identification numbers

Each poker machine must have a unique identification (ID) number issued by us. We may, at any time, issue a new one for that machine.

We maintain a register of approved:

  • manufacturers
  • suppliers, and
  • testers,

referred to as roll listees. Poker machine ID numbers are issued to roll listees via our Portal(opens in a new window).

Venue operators must not possess a poker machine unless there is a securely affixed ID number label on:

  • one internal, and
  • one external

surface of the machine's cabinet. This label must show the ID number we issued and any other appropriate information.

A person must not:

  • service
  • maintain, or
  • repair

a poker machine that does not have an ID number affixed to it that we have issued. For more information, view section 3.5.8 of the Act.

A person must not remove, alter, or otherwise interfere with:

  • the manufacturer's ID plate or serial number of a poker machine
  • the ID label (showing ID no. issued by us) affixed to a machine.

For more information, view section 3.5.11(m) and (n) of the Act.

Poker machine floor position numbers

The identification of poker machines and their location within the GMA is important. It impacts on the ability for poker machine activity to be effectively monitored and controlled at all times.

When assessing changes to the GMA layout, we must consider the:

  • size
  • layout
  • facilities, or
  • any other relevant matter.

Poker machines must be positioned within the GMA so that:

  • all installed machines have consecutively numbered floor positions within the venue, beginning at number 1
  • floor position numbers are displayed on the front or side of each machine's cabinet
  • floor position numbers match the numbers recorded on the electronic monitoring system
  • floor position numbers are listed on the dedicated electrical distribution circuit breaker legend.

Venue environmental limits

Gaming and monitoring equipment requires a stable environment in which to operate.

It's a venue operator’s responsibility to ensure that the venue environment provides for:

  • venue electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection
  • an acceptable temperature and humidity range
  • power supply quality, including filters and conditioners.

Specifically, this means:

  • the air temperature in all areas where gaming equipment is installed must always be between 10 and 40 degrees Celsius
  • the humidity range in all areas where gaming equipment is installed must be between 15 to 85%
  • all floor coverings near poker machines and equipment must have anti-static properties to protect against the build-up of ESD
  • ESD must be no more than 1,500 volts in any area where gaming equipment is installed.

Gaming equipment must not be operated where:

Victorian Appendix to the Australian/New Zealand Gaming Machine National Standard
PDF 369.28 KB
(opens in a new window)

  • the environment does not comply with any manufacturer's specifications additional to the above
  • environmental factors are likely to impact on equipment, or are likely to cause equipment to malfunction, fail or operate safely.

Removed or obscured windows

Windows help mitigate the risk of GMAs becoming immersive environments. Any window that provides a view from the GMA must not be removed or obscured, except in the following circumstances:

  • for the purpose of replacing it with another window of:
    • equal, or
    • greater size (so long as the new window is in place within 10 working days of removal).
  • for the purpose of repairing it (so long as repairs are completed/parts replaced within 10 working days of removal)
  • for the installation of:
    • blinds
    • curtains
    • tinting
    • shading, or
    • any other window treatment for the purpose of temperature control or reduction of glare from direct sunlight.

For more information, refer to:

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