Gambling Reform

In reply to the Hon. C. BONAROS ().28 November 2024). The Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs has advised:

Reforms introduced into South Australia in late 2019 have provided increased protections for South Australians affected by gambling harm, whilst also striking an important balance by ensuring a well-regulated and economically viable gambling industry.

While the decision to allow new technology to be introduced on gaming machines in South Australia received bipartisan support, significant amendments moved by the Labor party whilst in opposition and subsequently passed by the parliament ensure that players are not allowed to insert more than $100 into a gaming machine at a time and a prohibition on the use of $100 banknotes.

Additional measures that have already been implemented in South Australia to minimise the potential for gambling-related harm as a result of the introduction of current technology gaming machines, include:

a restriction on EFTPOS cash withdrawals to $250 per card over 24 hours

a restriction on the use of banknotes of any value at a gaming machine if there is already $100 or more on the machine

a requirement for gaming venues to offer the payment of winnings of $500 or more by cheque or EFT.

The government is currently reviewing the proposed changes to the Victorian legislation and will consider the outcomes of the carded play trial set to run in a limited number of Victorian venues mid 2025 for a period of three months.

It is noted that bill proposed the Victorian government:

has not yet passed through parliament in that state;

is subject to a trial in mid 2025;

will allow 'casual cards' that do not require patrons to provide identification or set loss limits until 2026;

will be subject to further evaluation at the end of 2026;

has indicated that additional requirements will not be considered, including changes to the current non-binding precommitment limits, until the next monitoring licence agreements are considered in late 2027.

The proposal in the bill to reduce load-up limits on gaming machines replicates requirements already in place in South Australia and we commend the Victorian government for following suit.