Melbourne, Australia – May 2025
Victoria’s government has just pushed through a major gambling reform bill, and while that’s big news on its own, the real buzz is around what didn’t happen, the long-anticipated carded play trial has been delayed.
So here’s the deal. The legislation introduces new measures to help tackle problem gambling, including a system where players would use a card to access poker machines. That card would let people set their own spending limits before they even start playing. It’s a bold move aimed at making gambling safer and more transparent.
But here’s the catch, although the law is in place, the actual trial of this carded system isn’t happening just yet. It was supposed to be tested in a handful of venues, but officials have hit the brakes. They say it’s mostly due to some technical issues and the need to chat with more people in the industry before rolling anything out.
Reactions have been mixed. Some people see this as a much-needed step in the right direction. Others, especially folks running venues, are worried it could be tough to roll out. Let’s be honest, adding new tech like this isn’t always smooth, and with many venues still bouncing back after the pandemic, the timing feels tricky.
And of course, the opposition in Parliament didn’t miss a chance to speak up. Some members argue the delay shows the government wasn’t ready and might be losing steam on its big promises.
Still, even with the hold-up, this bill is a clear signal: Victoria is moving toward a more tightly regulated gambling space. It’s part of a bigger trend we’re seeing globally, where governments lean on tech to shape how people interact with gambling.
At BetGrate, we’re keeping a close eye on this. If you're in the iGaming world or operating a land-based venue, now’s the time to think ahead. These kinds of changes could soon become the new normal.
We’ll keep you in the loop and help you stay ready for whatever comes next.