06 Jun

Gambling News

The Victoria commission initiates an examination into bingo regulations.

The Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) will initiate a comprehensive review of the rules and regulations governing bingo in the Australian state.
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Announced today (6 June), the bingo review will solicit feedback from industry stakeholders and the community in Victoria. The VGCCC asserts that this will enhance its comprehension of sector difficulties and investigate methods to fortify regulatory and industry procedures. 

The Commission will assess the adequacy of the existing regulations for bingo in Victoria. The analysis will examine the vulnerability of cash transactions to criminal activity and the degree to which earnings are directed towards supporting community organisations. 

The VGCCC reports that commercial bingo in Victoria generated AU$107 million (£56 million/€65 million/US$71 million) in revenue during the 2023 financial year. This far surpasses the $61 million generated from keno during the same timeframe.

“The commercial bingo landscape has undergone modernisation in recent years,” stated Commission chair Fran Thorn. “It is shifting from conventional paper-based gameplay to electronic enhancements featuring significant jackpots.”  

“In light of this evolution, it is imperative for us to evaluate and tackle concerns regarding fairness, integrity, and the risk of gambling-related harm.” This is especially crucial for at-risk populations, including elders, First Nations communities, women, and persons with lower incomes.

Thorn states that, although regulatory supervision, the VGCCC persists in receiving reports and allegations regarding unauthorised operators and possible fraudulent activity. Consequently, it will solicit feedback on enhancing laws and regulations. 

“This presents an opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanics of bingo and its technological evolution,” Thorn stated. “We recognise the social engagement that bingo offers to numerous members of the Victoria community.” 

“Our objective is to comprehend the risks, mitigate potential harm, and eliminate any behaviours that jeopardise the integrity and fairness of the game.” 

The VGCCC is soliciting participation from all interested stakeholders, including customers, industry participants, and community organisations, in the inquiry.

Victoria amends regulations governing online gaming accounts
The investigation signifies the most recent advancement in Victoria's continuous endeavours to enhance gambling legislation.

In April, the VGCCC announced modifications to regulations governing online gaming accounts in the state. This encompasses players' perceptions of their expenditures and losses.

The modifications pertain to the presentation of specific information to players in their online gaming accounts. This encompasses data on expenditures, with net losses now omitting complimentary and promotional bets.

Currently, net wins are more precise, as players' monthly statements deduct all stakes from their final reward amount. Licensees must utilise basic English, eschew superfluous jargon, and restrict colour usage to black and red to distinctly indicate losses. Furthermore, messaging regarding gambling-related damage should be included in every monthly statement.

Noncompliant operators may incur a penalty of 60 units. This amounts to AU$11,539 for each non-compliant activity statement issued.