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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, with the help of the Department of Justice and in consultation with the gaming industry and community advocates, is continuously exploring ways to reduce problem gambling, to assist and protect problem gamblers, and to ensure highest standards of probity and accountability in the gaming industry.

In this section you can find information about gaming issues that are currently being reviewed.

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 and bingo. 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.