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Victoria Gambling Laws

Zane | April 5, 2023 | Updated on: February 4th, 2025

Victoria is one of Australia’s most active gambling markets, home to Crown Melbourne, one of the largest casinos in the Southern Hemisphere. The state regulates gambling through the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), ensuring compliance with responsible gaming laws and consumer protection.

Whether you’re interested in casinos, online gambling, pokies, or sports betting, this guide covers everything you need to know about Victoria’s gambling laws.

Key Takeaways:

Crown Melbourne is the only licensed casino in Victoria.
Pokies and gaming machines are legal, but limited in number.
Online casinos are illegal, but Victorians can play at offshore platforms.
Sports betting is legal and regulated, with licensed operators.
A new tax on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) was introduced in 2023.

Now, let’s explore Victoria’s gambling landscape in detail.


Victoria’s Gambling Regulation Body: The VGCCC

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) is the primary regulatory body overseeing all gambling activities in the state. It enforces strict licensing laws, monitors responsible gambling practices, and ensures fair play.

What the VGCCC Regulates:

  • Land-based casinos (Crown Melbourne)
  • Electronic gaming machines (pokies) in pubs and clubs
  • Sports betting operators (RT Bet, N1 Bet, Roby and SG Casino)
  • Lotteries & charitable gaming
  • Online gambling restrictions

📍 Did You Know? Victoria has one of the highest gambling participation rates in Australia, making regulation crucial for consumer protection.


Casinos in Victoria – Crown Melbourne & Land-Based Gaming Laws

Victoria only allows one casino to operate legallyCrown Melbourne. As Australia’s largest casino, it offers a wide range of games, including:
🎲 Poker
🎲 Blackjack
🎲 Roulette
🎲 Baccarat
🎲 Electronic gaming machines (pokies)

Victoria’s Casino Licensing Rules

Only one casino license exists (Crown Melbourne).
Strict regulations apply to ensure fair play and prevent money laundering.
Recent investigations have resulted in stronger compliance measures against Crown Melbourne.

📍 Important Update: The Victorian government introduced stricter reforms in 2023 to ensure Crown Melbourne follows responsible gambling practices.


Pokies & Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) in Victoria

Pokies (slot machines) are highly regulated in Victoria. Unlike in some states, they are not allowed in restaurants or small venues—only in licensed casinos, clubs, and pubs.

Key Rules for Pokies in Victoria:

A maximum of 27,372 gaming machines are allowed across the state.
Venues must set betting limits to prevent excessive gambling.
Mandatory pre-commitment cards are now required for gaming machine users.
A new tax on EGMs was introduced in 2023, increasing revenue for public services.

📍 Tip: Victoria enforces some of the strictest responsible gambling measures in Australia, including self-exclusion programs and time-limit warnings.


Online Gambling Laws in Victoria

Online gambling is subject to federal and state laws. While the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) of 2001 prohibits Australian-based online casinos, Victorians can still access offshore platforms.

Legal Online Gambling in Victoria:

Online sports betting is legal, but only through licensed operators.
Online lotteries are permitted (Tatts Group, The Lott).

Illegal Online Gambling in Victoria:

Online casinos based in Australia are banned.
Poker rooms & online slot machines are not allowed for local operators.
Live (in-play) betting online is restricted (only available via phone or in person).

📍 Warning: Offshore online casinos are not licensed by the Australian government, which means they lack local consumer protections.


Sports Betting Laws in Victoria

Victoria is a major hub for sports betting, hosting Australia’s biggest sporting events, including:
🏇 The Melbourne Cup (horse racing)
🏉 AFL Grand Final (Australian Rules Football)
🏏 Boxing Day Test (Cricket)

Legal Sports Betting Options in Victoria:

Retail sportsbooks (TAB locations across the state).
Online sportsbooks (RT Bet, Roby, N1 Bet and SG Casino).
Race betting (Melbourne Cup, Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup).

📍 Important Rule: Live (in-play) betting is only permitted in person or over the phone to reduce gambling harm.


Lottery Laws in Victoria

Lotteries are legal and widely available in Victoria. They are operated by Tatts Group (The Lott), which offers:
🎟 Oz Lotto (Tuesday draws)
🎟 Powerball (Thursday draws)
🎟 Saturday Lotto (Weekly jackpot draws)

📍 Tip: Online lottery ticket purchases are allowed through licensed providers, but beware of unlicensed third-party sellers.


Gambling Taxes in Victoria

How Gambling is Taxed in Victoria:

📌 Casino tax – Crown Melbourne pays a fixed percentage of its revenue to the state.
📌 Pokies tax – Clubs and pubs pay an increased electronic gaming machine tax (introduced in 2023).
📌 Sports betting tax – A Point of Consumption Tax (POCT) applies to sports betting revenue.

📍 Did You Know? Victoria’s POCT increased from 10% to 15% in 2023 to boost state revenue.


Responsible Gambling in Victoria

Victoria takes responsible gambling seriously, offering programs to help problem gamblers.

Support & Self-Exclusion Programs:

Gambling Help Online – 24/7 free counseling service.
Self-Exclusion Register – Allows players to ban themselves from gambling venues.
Time Limits on Pokies – Mandatory warnings when playing for extended periods.

📍 Tip: If gambling is affecting your well-being, seek help from a responsible gambling service in Victoria.


Final Thoughts: Understanding Gambling in Victoria

Victoria has some of the strictest gambling regulations in Australia, ensuring consumer protection, fair play, and responsible gambling.

Crown Melbourne is the only licensed casino in Victoria.
Pokies & EGMs are regulated with strict betting limits.
Online casinos are illegal, but sports betting is allowed through licensed operators.
Gambling taxes help fund public services and harm reduction programs.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is gambling legal in Victoria?
✅ Yes, but it is heavily regulated by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).

Can I play at online casinos in Victoria?
❌ No, Australian-based online casinos are illegal, but Victorians can play at offshore casinos.

Is sports betting legal in Victoria?
✅ Yes, sports betting is legal through licensed operators.

Can I play the lottery online in Victoria?
✅ Yes, you can buy lottery tickets online through The Lott or Tatts Group

FAQs about Gambling in Victoria

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