New regulations mandate a daily shutdown of gaming machines in hotels and clubs across Wyndham and Victoria to combat problem gambling.
The Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation has announced new mandatory closure periods for gaming rooms in hotels and clubs throughout Victoria, including those in Wyndham. Effective from 30 August 2024, venue operators must ensure that gaming machines are not played between the hours of 4am and 10am.
These mandatory closure periods aim to provide patrons with a necessary break from play, helping them to “get out of the zone” and become more aware of their gaming behaviors.
In preparation for this new regulation, venue operators need to review their current gaming hours to ensure they align with the 4am to 10am shutdown requirement.
All gaming machines in Victoria must be connected to an electronic monitoring system. Intralot Gaming Services (IGS), the Monitoring Licensee, will automatically disable and enable gaming machines at 4am and 10am, respectively, starting 30 August 2024. Venue operators can opt to start this process earlier to accommodate testing, deployment, and maintenance of gaming machines. However, if they choose to do so, they assume the risk of non-compliance during this period, and the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) will enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy for any detected breaches.
Operators must also register their designated gaming hours with the IGS monitoring system and ensure full compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements by the 30 August 2024 deadline.
VGCCC inspectors will conduct compliance checks and take enforcement action against any venues that fail to adhere to the mandatory closure periods from 30 August 2024.
