The government of Victoria is going to introduce Australia’s strictest pokie machine rules, cutting the amount punters can put into machines from AU$1,000 ($646) to AU$100 ($64).
The amendment to the state’s gambling legislation is being introduced today in parliament, creating the framework for carded play in the state.
Alongside the limitations for each input, punters will be required to pre-commit to how much they’re willing to lose. This starts at a default AU$50 ($32).
Victoria’s new limits go beyond even those imposed by New South Wales – which sets the load-up limit at AU$500 ($323) – also a reduction from the previous AU$5,000 ($3233).
While the new is introduced today, carded play rollout will commence midway through the year, concentrated in a pilot program at specific venues, using a phased approach before its mandatory application.
Australia’s largest casino operator Crown Resorts announced in a release today that it ‘welcomes’ the announcement’, noting that it has already had some 400,000 guests register for carded play at Crown Melbourne in the past 12 months. The carded play was introduced to Crown Melbourne’s nearly 3,000 EGMs following the results of the 2021 royal commission inquiry into its suitability to retain its casino license in the state.

‘Today’s announcement is an important milestone that will see these safety measures extended across Victoria,’ the company notes.
Speaking of the changes, Crown Melbourne CEO Mike Volkert noted “Crown has led by example, demonstrating that carded play is essential to developing a safer gaming environment.
“Our experience in developing and implementing these reforms means that we are well-placed to assist the government and industry as they work to establish a safer and more sustainable gaming environment throughout Victoria”.
Aside from the limits on cash input, new pokies approved by the state’s gaming regulator, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) after December 1st, 2025, will also have their spin rate slowed to at least three seconds per game.
This should slow game play by up to 40 percent.
This comes after a September mandate for gaming areas in all Victorian hotels and clubs to close between 4am and 10am, implemented in September of this year. The measure does not apply to Crown.
Authorities say that this aims to reduce the amount of gambling harm, which the state’s Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne, says affects 30 percent of Victorians who play gaming machines.
“Gambling harm has consequences, not just for the person gambling but for everyone around them. These reforms provide important protections for people using gaming machines and for their loved ones,” stated the official, as quoted by media.