The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has announced a set of new rules and regulations for electronic gaming machines (EGMs) at Crown Melbourne.
Players can no longer play more than one machine at a time
EGMs are similar to traditional pokies found throughout the country, but the Australian government views them as separate products and so local gaming authorities have specific rules for each type of gambling machine.
The new rules introduced by VGCCC are designed to reduce the effects of gambling harm and include the following:
- Players are not permitted to play more than one EGM at a time.
- Players cannot place any item on an EGM’s button to facilitate continuous play.
According to the regulator, the changes mean that the existing rules for EGMs at Crown Melbourne will better align with the responsible gambling objectives in the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 and the Casino Control Act 1991.
In its announcement, the VGCCC also stated that other recommendations contained in a report from the Royal Commission are still under consideration and that further changes to the rules are likely in the near future.
Speaking of the new rules, VGCCC Acting Director Licensing, Jason Cremona said:
“Playing more than one machine at a time is not consistent with the responsible gambling objectives contained in the legislation, and nor is playing continuously by using items to hold down an electronic gaming machine button.
The casino is required to ensure that patrons comply with the rules, and the VGCCC will be monitoring compliance and will take regulatory action should Crown not ensure that the rules are complied with.”
The news of the new rules follows a recent announcement that the Victorian state government is planning to increase the tax rate on EGM machines at the Crown Melbourne. According to government analysis, this should yield the state around AU$30 million (€19.8 million) in tax revenues per year.
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