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Gaming

The term gaming refers to a range of legal forms of gambling such as electronic gaming machines (pokies), club keno, casino table games, and lotteries. In Victoria, these forms of gaming are provided by a number of different organisations.

Minor gaming means a range of games such as raffles and bingo that are conducted by community and charitable organisations.

Gaming involves staking money on uncertain events, for example, choosing numbers in anticipation that those numbers will win. The results of the game are based on chance, and there is little skill involved in winning.

Any form of gaming not specifically allowed in legislation is banned. Legalised gaming is subject to stringent licensing and regulatory requirements that aim to ensure that gaming is conducted responsibly, transparently, and according to appropriate probity principles.

Gaming policy

The government is committed to reducing the incidence and severity of problem gambling across Victoria. By working with the Department of Justice, fostering greater input from community groups and consulting with the gaming industry, the government is investigating ways to assist problem gamblers and their families to better access the information and help they deserve. In addition to this, the government is developing ways to restore probity, integrity and transparency to the gaming industry while maximising the financial and other benefits from gaming for all Victorians.

In this section, you can learn about how the government is tackling problem gambling and find information relating to current gaming issues.

Gaming regulation and licences

In Victoria, the day-to-day regulation of gaming is the responsibility of the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation, an independent statutory authority. The Commission issues licences to industry participants including venues and employees, and issues permits to conduct certain forms of gaming, including raffles. The Commission also enforces probity, transparency, and other requirements as set out in gaming legislation and regulations.

For more information on the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation, visit their website or call (03) 9651 3022.