News and media releases: legislation & regulation

The Australian Government recently announced that it will introduce changes to ban gambling advertisements during live sports programs before 8.30 pm. These changes will apply on commercial television, commercial radio, subscription television, SBS and online platforms.

On 23 March 2017, the Melbourne Magistrates' Court ordered Hawthorn Football Club Ltd to comply with a diversion plan after the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation alleged the club had conducted unauthorised gambling at its approved venue trading as Vegas at Waverley Gardens between 28 and 31 March 2016.

The Melbourne Magistrates' Court has ordered Caszur Nominees Pty Ltd into a diversion plan for modifying the gaming machine area at the Sherbourne Terrace in Shepparton without seeking the approval of the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regul

The Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation has issued decision-making guidelines for the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation to consider when determining an application for the approval of new pokies premises located in a building that includes permanent residential accommodation.

The Victorian Auditor-General's Office has tabled a report on the regulation of gambling and liquor in Victoria.

The Australian Association of National Advertisers has released a self-regulatory communication code in relation to wagering advertising and marketing that will cover Australian licensed wagering operators, such as TABs and online bookmakers (often referred to in public discussion as sports betting companies).

The Australian Government has released the review into illegal offshore wagering (the O'Farrell report) and its response.

On 2 March 2016, amendments were made to the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Act 2011, including a new advocacy and policy role for the Foundation.

On 12 October 2015, the Planning and Environment Amendment (Recognising Objectors) Act 2015 came into effect.

The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation has welcomed the introduction of legislation in state parliament today to give it more influence to address harm from gambling.

A number of changes were recently made to the operation of Melbourne's Crown casino, including the introduction of new levies and taxes.

On 14 May 2014, the tax rate on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) at some hotels and clubs increased by 4.2 per cent.

The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation welcomes the Federal Government's move to ban live betting odds during television sports broadcasts.