VGCCC targets compliance in western Victoria

A major licencing compliance operation over one of the Wimmera’s busiest social weekends has delivered positive results, Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission CEO, Suzy Neilan said today.

Over the Horsham Cup Weekend (16-18 October), VGCCC inspectors visited poker machine venues and TAB outlets and the Horsham Racing Club, with a focus on the Rural City of Horsham. Other locations visited included Ararat, Stawell and Hamilton. Teams did not find any significant breaches.

‘Our teams visited 16 locations across the Grampians region, and within the Horsham Local Government Area (LGA), we visited every gaming venue and operator. It was reassuring to us that only a small number of relatively minor breaches were identified,’ Ms Neilan said.

Staff at a venue in Ararat were unable to encode a casual YourPlay card when asked by inspectors, a Hamilton venue had non-compliant pokies signage and 1 bookmaker at the Horsham Racing Club failed to display identification.

‘We are working with the venue operators and licensee to rectify these issues and improve their understanding of the requirements of the gambling legislation,’ Ms Neilan said.

There are 153 poker machines in the Rural City of Horsham located at 3 licensed venues. Poker machine expenditure in the LGA totalled $13.7m in the 2025/26 Financial Year.

‘Research tells us that using poker machines is associated with high levels of gambling harm in and around Horsham and regional Victoria. While there are fewer machines than other parts of the state, it is essential that people who use poker machines, and those who operate them, understand the very serious impacts they can cause,’ Ms Neilan said.

‘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,’ Ms Neilan said.

Victorians spend more than $7 billion on gambling annually, including $2.6 billion on wagering and sports betting.

‘Compliance with gambling and harm minimisation requirements is essential to maintaining a safe and responsible wagering environment. All licence holders are expected to meet their obligations, and we will continue to monitor compliance across the industry, including at other race meets,’ Ms Neilan said.

Gambling Harm Awareness Week runs from 24 to 31 October and asks people to think about how often and for how long they gamble and highlights simple changes that can help reduce the risk of experiencing gambling harm.

The 3 safer gambling practices people are encouraged to implement can be used for many gambling products, including poker machines and wagering and sports betting. They are;

1. Take a break – pause, reflect and reset
2. Bet once a week, max – less often, lower risk
3. Set a time limit – plan before you play

The campaign is also reminding gambling venue operators and licence holders to play their part in reducing gambling harm.

‘Preventing gambling harm is a shared, year-round commitment. We are focused on ensuring the industry has the systems and controls in place to minimise gambling harm and protect Victorians.’

‘When operators fail to meet their obligations, we do not hesitate in applying appropriate regulatory action.’

Gambling Harm Awareness Week runs from 24 to 31 October. More information is available on the VGCCC’s Gambling Harm Awareness Week website.

Additional information:

People with concerns about a gambling provider’s behaviour can also lodge a complaint or tip-off via the VGCCC website or call 1300 599 759.

Anyone negatively affected by their own or someone else’s gambling is encouraged to call the 24/7 Gambler’s Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.