Victoria to enforce mandatory carded play in all gaming venues by 2027

A sweeping reform could change how Victorians gamble—with trials starting soon. Will this curb problem gambling or face industry pushback?

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2026 April 14 . 11:05 PM

1 min read

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Australia

Victoria to enforce mandatory carded play in all gaming venues by 2027

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A bill that would mandate the introduction of mandatory carded play across all gaming venues in Victoria will be debated by the state's parliament this week.

According to a report by ABC News, this comes with a trial of the technology set to take place in 40 venues in the coming months amid pressure to fast-track the implementation of carded play. The bill was first introduced to parliament last November.

The goal, according to the government, is to roll out mandatory cared play across all pubs and clubs - which operate a combined 26,000 poker machines - by the end of 2027, bringing them in line with the state's only casino, Crown Melbourne. Crown, which told ABC News it has more than 500,000 people now signed up for carded use, introduced mandatory carded play late last year.