The move forces more control over how Australians spend their gambling money
Victoria, Australia, is set to launch a three-month trial for mandatory carded play in select casinos and cardrooms, a move designed to help patrons manage their gambling more effectively. Beginning in September, 43 venues across Monash, Greater Dandenong, and Ballarat will take part in the pilot, which will require all players to use a YourPlay card. This card will not only track play but also enable users to set personal loss limits before they can access gaming machines.
The initiative, originally planned for mid-2025, was brought forward after the passage of the Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 in May. Minister Enver Erdogan stated that the trial would be an important first step in helping people gain better control over their gambling habits. The goal is to promote responsible gambling by providing players with tools to manage their losses and make informed decisions.
However, the trial has faced criticism from industry leaders. Andrew Lloyd, CEO of Community Clubs Victoria, expressed concerns about the rushed implementation and the adequacy of the tools being tested. He noted that some participating venues were notified of the trial at the last minute, while others received mixed messages, leading to confusion. Lloyd also pointed out that clubs would incur additional costs due to the need to hire extra staff to assist patrons during the trial period.
Additionally, there are worries that the technology being used, particularly the YourPlay card, may not be suitable for long-term use. Lloyd called for the government to release findings from a previous carded play rollout at Crown Casino before advancing the program further, urging a more thorough evaluation of the system’s effectiveness.
Despite these concerns, the trial represents a significant step toward more regulated gambling in the state, with the potential for broader applications depending on the results.
