Edition 47, July 2007

Victorian Bill reforms gaming machine limits and community benefits statements

Victoria's Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2007 introduces significant changes to gaming machine operations.  It reforms community benefits statements and implements commitments made under Taking action on problem gambling, the Government's five-year, $132.3 million strategy to combat problem gambling.

Under the Bill, clubs failing to contribute at least 8.33 per cent of their net gaming revenue to the community will be required to pay the shortfall by way of additional tax contributions to the Community Support Fund.

The Bill also amends the community benefits statements in line with the proposed reforms announced on 30 May 2007.  It recognises the substantial tax paid by hotels to the fund and reduces their regulatory burden by cancelling their obligation to lodge community benefits statements.

The Bill sets maximum gaming machine density limits for local government areas, and amends the way in which regional limits on gaming machines are set. It will also improve patron protection with the requirement that all winnings exceeding $1000 on a non-casino gaming machine be paid entirely by cheque.

The process for approving new gaming venues and for increasing the number of gaming machines at an existing venue will be the subject of a Government review, a commitment also contained in Taking action on problem gambling.

Regulation of the gambling industry in Victoria is the responsibility of an independent body, the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation.

A discussion paper seeking community and industry feedback to assist in the development of options for improving the gaming machine approval process has also been released, and is available on the Department of Justice website.

For more information visit www.justice.vic.gov.au  (Select 'Gambling and Racing' > 'Problem gambling').

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