New bill proposes to implement a gambling curfew in Victoria

Added: October 4, 2023

A new gambling reform bill has recently been introduced in the parliament of the Australian state of Victoria.

The main aim of the new proposal is to outlaw 24-hour gambling at retail machines in the state by giving operators a curfew to follow for their land-based terminal operations. The proposed curfew would limit gambling accessibility from 4 to 10 in the morning at bars, hotels, and anywhere else gambling terminals are in operation, only allowing gamblers to play outside of those hours during the day. The new bill will also prohibit the issuance of new licenses for 24-hour non-casino gambling venues, along with extending the ban on contingencies to gambling providers outside of the state.

The Australian state’s government mentioned that the main aim behind this proposal is to reduce gambling harms that can stem from nighttime gambling. In addition to proposing the curfew, the new bill has also introduced new requirements for cashless gambling at retail terminals, which include the prohibition of paying winnings to customers with cash if they exceed a thousand dollars.

Lastly, the bill also proposed a delay of 24 hours which would apply to payouts worth over a thousand dollars, along with a few other minor amendments to Victoria’s gambling legislations.

Australia, Victoria