Access to cash in gaming venues

These measures are aimed at harm minimisation and provide patrons an opportunity to take a break from gaming.

In relation to gaming venues that are not on a racecourse, cash may only be obtained from automatic teller machines (ATMs) approved by the VGCCC and/or EFTPOS facilities that comply with the requirements below.

In relation to gaming venues located on a racecourse, the restrictions that apply to cash facilities depend on the area in which the cash is accessed. Within the gaming machine area and 50 metres walking distance from each entrance to the gaming machine area (the applicable area), cash may only be obtained from an EFTPOS facility that complies with the requirements below.
 

ATMs

ATMs are not permitted in gaming venues unless approved by the VGCCC. Venue operators who wish to have an ATM on their gaming venue must apply for approval. Please see the application for approval to provide an ATM in an approved gaming venue (PDF, 455.96 KB).
 

EFTPOS

Venue operators must ensure that EFTPOS facilities at their venues do not permit:

• Cash withdrawals of more than $200 per transaction on any one credit or debit card;
• Cash withdrawals of more than $500 from any one credit or debit card within a 24 hour period; and
• Cash withdrawals from a credit account.

Venue operators must also ensure that cash cannot be obtained from an EFTPOS facility unless the facility is operated by an employee of, or person engaged by, the venue operator, including by entering the amount of funds to be obtained.

Note that the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation Rules (VCGR Rules) (as in force on 21 February 2007) continue to apply. The VCGR Rules provide that an EFTPOS device or ATM must not be accessible by any person within the gaming machine area of an approved gaming venue for the purposes of withdrawing cash.

Cheques

The promotion or operation of cheque cashing services by any person in gaming venues or on gaming venue property, including the cashing of cheques by venue operators or a third party, is prohibited.

Gaming venue property may include nearby land owned or leased by the venue operator including the venue’s car park area.

A number of the above requirements regarding access to cash at gaming venues are new requirements resulting from legislative amendments that came into effect in 2018.

Further information on  the recent amendments that impact the obligations of venue operators are available on the Changes to the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 for venue operators page.