VGCCC finds minor breaches in western Victoria gambling checks

Inspections across 16 locations identified issues with YourPlay cards, poker machine signage and bookmaker identification.

Key takeaways:

• The VGCCC identified a small number of minor compliance breaches during gambling venue inspections in western Victoria.
• Inspectors visited 16 locations across the Grampians region during Horsham Cup weekend from 16 to 18 October.
• Breaches involved a YourPlay card, non-compliant poker machine signage and a bookmaker failing to display identification.

Australia.- The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has identified a small number of minor compliance breaches during inspections of gambling venues across western Victoria. No significant breaches were detected.

The operation ran from October 16 – 18 during Horsham Cup weekend and covered poker machine venues, TAB outlets and the Horsham Racing Club. Inspectors visited 16 locations across the Grampians region, including venues in Horsham, Ararat, Stawell and Hamilton.

The breaches included staff at an Ararat venue being unable to encode a casual YourPlay card when inspectors requested it, non-compliant poker machine signage at a Hamilton venue, and a bookmaker at Horsham Racing Club failing to display identification.

Suzy Neilan, VGCCC chief executive, said the regulator was working with operators to address the issues. “We are working with the venue operators and licensee to rectify these issues and improve their understanding of the requirements of the gambling legislation,” she said.

The inspections also highlighted the importance of harm minimisation in regional Victoria. Horsham has 153 poker machines across three licensed venues, with poker machine expenditure reaching AU$13.7m during the 2025/26 financial year. Neilan said research linked poker machine use with high levels of gambling harm in the region.

“Our regional inspections are not about looking for breaches – they are an important opportunity for us to spend time in the district and help operators understand the obligations specific to the gambling products they offer,” Neilan said.

The VGCCC said it would continue monitoring compliance across the industry, including at other race meetings. “When operators fail to meet their obligations, we do not hesitate in applying appropriate regulatory action,” Neilan concluded.

Earlier this week, the VGCCC launched its annual Gambling Harm Awareness Week campaign, running from October 24 to 31. The educational initiative focuses on encouraging responsible play and promoting self-management strategies for sports bettors and casino patrons ahead of peak sporting events like the Melbourne Cup.

Under the theme “Know Your Why,” the 2026 campaign encourages individuals to evaluate their gambling frequency and duration through practical measures. The initiative highlights three core safe-gambling practices: taking regular breaks during play, limiting betting frequency to a maximum of once a week, and setting predetermined time limits before engaging in gambling activities.