General News
16 March, 2023
Gaming regulators head to local shires
Inspectors will attend Maryborough’s two gaming venues in the coming weeks to ensure gambling is safe, fair and has integrity, and that venues are following the rules. The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) is targeting...

Inspectors will attend Maryborough’s two gaming venues in the coming weeks to ensure gambling is safe, fair and has integrity, and that venues are following the rules.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) is targeting venues based on risk factors and will send inspectors to the Maryborough Highland Society and Maryborough Golf Club, as well as venues in the neighbouring Hepburn Shire.
According to the VGCCC, areas where there is a projected high growth in player loss and a history of not following the rules will be focal points for inspections.
In 2021/2022 losses in the Central Goldfields Shire due to gaming machines totalled $9.2 million and according to the VGCCC, losses have reached over $7 million since July last year.
VGCCC gambling director Glorija Kuzman said ensuring gambling safety was important to communities.
“Being led by data and intelligence, we’re sending our inspectors to places and venues where the risk to the community is highest — places we’ve seen a significant jump in gambling spend over the past few years, where there is a high concentration of poker machines, or where we know there have been issues in the past,” she said.
“These venues not only have legal obligations to comply with, they also have a social licence with their local communities, which includes making sure gambling is safe and fair.”
Inspectors will specifically check venues have a responsible gambling officer in the gaming room at all times, restrict access to minors, have compliant security cameras, follow the Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct and have the pre-commitment system YourPlay system operating on all machines.
“Where we detect high-harm breaches we will take swift and strong action — but we are keen to work with industry to provide them with support to get back on track and follow the rules,” Ms Kuzman said.
“If gaming operators deliberately and knowingly break the law we will have a zero tolerance approach. So we’re here to ensure Victoria’s gambling industry operates with integrity, and is safe and fair.
“In the meantime, I encourage the Central Goldfields and Hepburn shire communities to let us know if they believe a gaming venue is not doing the right thing by contacting us.”
Complaints about gaming operators can be made online at www.vgccc.vic.gov.au