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Legislative bills

Victoria's Premier Faces Backlash Over Delayed Poker Machine Reform

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Victoria's premier, Jacinta Allan, has come under fire from her own party members after the government delayed key reforms aimed at reducing the harm caused by poker machines. The delayed action will ensure the state government receives more money from poker machines, with Victorians already losing over $3 billion to pokies each year. Labor MPs have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the delay, citing concerns about the growing reliance on gambling revenue in the state budget.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Victorian government's bill to introduce cashless gaming has stalled in parliament, despite being introduced last year.
  • The delay will result in the state government receiving an estimated $3 billion from poker machines in the next financial year.
  • Labor MPs have expressed "genuine disappointment" and "upset" over the delay, with some MPs representing outer suburban and lower socioeconomic areas.
  • The government's reliance on gambling revenue is expected to increase, with a forecast increase in gaming taxation revenue estimates of $5.9 billion over the next four years.
  • The reform bill has stalled due to issues with the technology and the government seeking to "find a better way to roll it out".
  • The technology, based on the government's voluntary pre-commitment system, YourPlay, is reportedly "out of date" and needs to be updated.
  • The delay has been met with criticism from former Labor MPs, including Kelvin Thompson, who has spent decades campaigning for tougher regulation on poker machines.

Statistics:

  • Victorians lose over $3 billion to poker machines each year.
  • The government's bill to introduce cashless gaming has stalled in parliament.
  • The forecast increase in gaming taxation revenue estimates is $5.9 billion over the next four years.
  • The delay in introducing cashless gaming is expected to result in increased revenue from poker machines.

Sources:

  • Victorian Government (2025). Green Paper: State Budget 2025.
  • Fringe Arts: {"Fringe Arts"}
  • AFR: {"AFR"}
  • Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan's press conference (2025).
  • Quote from Fran Thorne, former chair of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.
  • Quote from Kelvin Thompson, former Labor MP.
  • Quote from Tim Costello, chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform.

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