The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has simplified the process around changes to gaming machine areas so venue operators will no longer be required to seek prior approval in certain circumstances.
From 1 April 2017 the VGCCC is allowing certain low-risk changes to a gaming machine area, such as changes to the internal layout of gaming machine areas where there is no increase or decrease in the number of machines and no impact on the boundary, to proceed without pre-approval.
For those changes that do not require pre-approval from the VGCCC, gaming venue operators are still required to adhere to legislative and regulatory requirements.
Any change not specified as exempt from pre-approval, in particular changes to the size or location of a gaming machine area, the number of electronic gaming machines or any changes impacting on access to EFTPOS facilities will continue to require prior approval by the VGCCC.
Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003, a venue operator that modifies a gaming machine area without the necessary approvals may be liable to enforcement and disciplinary action.
Further information on requirements around gaming machine area modifications is available at www.vgccc.vic.gov.au