The Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, is facing criticism from Labor MPs after her government’s delay in implementing key reforms aimed at reducing harm from poker machines. These reforms, which include setting up cashless gaming, were initially scheduled to begin a trial at 40 venues in mid-2025, but have been stalled for months. The delay’s financial implications include increased revenue for the state government from poker machines next fiscal year, with Victorians already losing over $3 billion annually through these devices.
The issue was raised at a recent caucus meeting, with one MP confronting Premier Allan and arguing that the changes were essential for improving the lives of Victorians. Concerns have also been raised about the state budget’s growing reliance on gambling revenue. Labor MPs across faction lines express their disappointment and concern, emphasizing that the delay in both the cashless trial and the increase in poker machine revenue is a moral issue, not just a political one.
The budget’s gaming taxation revenue forecasts indicate that the state is expected to receive $5.9 billion in taxes from poker machines over the next four years. However, the document also suggests that growth in revenue from electronic gaming is expected to slow down as gambling harm minimization measures in hotels and clubs start to take effect.
The bill enabling the government to launch a trial of cashless or card-based play, already used at Crown Casino, was introduced in November. Originally scheduled to begin at 40 venues in mid-2025, the trial has been postponed due to technological issues. The government is now aiming to find a more efficient way to implement these reforms.
Gaming Minister Enver Erdogan explained the delay at the meeting, attributing it to outdated technology currently utilized by the government’s voluntary pre-commitment system, YourPlay. Erdogan is seeking to update the system before its implementation, which has led to a feeling of genuine disappointment among Labor MPs, particularly those representing outer suburban and lower socioeconomic areas where gambling losses have significantly increased, especially post-Covid.
Kelvin Thompson, a former state and federal Labor MP, has long advocated for tighter regulation on poker machines and expresses disappointment over the delay, urging the government to act swiftly to reduce gambling harm in the community. Tim Costello, chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, notes the irony of the government’s willingness to fast-track a ban on machetes but not measures to limit gambling harm, emphasizing the need for urgent action by the state government.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/27/its-a-moral-issue-jacinta-allan-faces-backlash-from-own-mps-as-pokies-reforms-stall
