VGCCC’s Dual Approach to Harm Minimisation: Enforcement and Innovation
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission’s (VGCCC) July 2025 Industry News newsletter is important reading, particularly for Victorian hotels and clubs with gaming operations.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission’s (VGCCC) July 2025 Industry News contains important updates and compliance reminders. Of those, we highlight both:
(a) The recent announcement by The Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, The Hon Enver Erdogan, of a previously delayed trial of mandatory account-based play on poker machines across 43 gaming venues in Monash, Greater Dandenong and Ballarat from September to November 2025. Details of the trial have been eagerly awaited by industry and the findings of the trial will be keenly followed by a number of stakeholder groups. A similar trial in New South Wales experienced low participation and, as a result, there was a small sample size from which to draw data-based insights and confirmations regarding the technology.
Under the Victorian trial, patrons will be required to use a ‘YourPlay’ card to access electronic gaming machines and set personal loss limits. The initiative aims to give individuals greater control over their gambling habits, offering real-time insights into expenditure and reinforcing pre-commitment strategies. Minister Erdogan described the trial as a way to assist customers to take control of their gambling and make better choices. The trial is also expected to assist in the mitigation of money-laundering risks by reducing any money washing abilities.
(b) The first disciplinary action taken by the VGCCC against a club or hotel for failure to prevent self-excluded individuals from gambling at a venue.
In a significant enforcement decision, the VGCCC has fined Werribee RSL $30,000 for failing to prevent two self-excluded individuals from gambling at its venue. The breaches, which occurred between January and May 2024, were brought to light through both an anonymous tip-off and the venue’s own self-reporting. While the VGCCC acknowledged Werribee RSL’s cooperation and remedial efforts, including a commitment to improve staff training and implement daily audits, the penalty sends a strong message that venues must carefully implement self-exclusion notices. In comments from the VGCCC CEO, Suzy Neilan explains that venues should act as a “last line of defence” for self-excluded customers and must enforce their decision to self-exclude.
The Werribee case highlights the challenge for venues in administering self-exclusions and could accelerate interest in facial recognition technology (FRT). FRT is currently mandated in South Australia and under active consideration in New South Wales, following the NSW Government’s 2023 commitment to require its use in gaming venues. In Victoria, the use of FRT remains optional, with some venues choosing to adopt it on a voluntary basis.
We look forward to continuing to report on FRT developments across the gambling industry which give rise to a number of policy, regulatory, privacy and operational considerations.
If you have any questions regarding the content covered in this article or wish to further discuss how Senet can help with gaming venue compliance, don’t hesitate to contact us.
