What you need to know
Social media is full of videos showing people playing poker machines, celebrating big wins and sharing their experiences.
But this type of content can be misleading, harmful – and in some cases, illegal.
If you create or share gambling-related content, it’s important to understand the risks and your legal responsibilities.
Why this content can cause harm
Content that shows large wins or exciting gameplay can give the wrong impression about gambling.
In reality:
- Poker machines are designed so that, over time, you lose more than you win.
- Each spin is independent, so "near misses" do not mean a win is coming next.
- Big wins are rare and unpredictable.
- The experience shown online does not reflect typical outcomes.
When content focuses on wins, excitement or large amounts of cash, it can:
- Make gambling look like an easy way to make money.
- Encourage people to play more often or spend more.
- Undermine important harm-reduction messages.
This is particularly concerning when content reaches large audiences and is presented as authentic or relatable.
It may be breaking the law
Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic), there are strict rules about advertising poker machines.
You may be at risk of breaching the law if you publish content online (including Tik Tok, YouTube or Instagram) that promotes or encourages people to play poker machines.
- For example: any form of advertising that promotes or is intended to promote the playing of gaming machines(opens in a new window).
The law defines advertising very broadly. You don’t need to be paid or sponsored for your content to be considered advertising.
Publishing this type of content outside a poker machine area may be an offence.
Penalties can apply – including fines of over $24,421 per breach, as outlined in the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 - section 3.5.34.(opens in a new window)
“I’m just sharing my experience” – does that matter?
Even if your intention is to document or entertain, your content may still be considered advertising.
Key considerations include whether your content:
- Highlights wins, features or conveys excitement when gambling.
- Encourages others to try gambling.
- Is presented in a promotional or glamorous way.
Each situation is assessed on its own facts, but if your content influences others to gamble, it could mean you have legal responsibilities.
Filming in venues
If you’re filming inside a gaming venue:
- The venue may have a no-filming policy.
- Filming poker machines or gameplay can create legal risks for both you and the venue.
- Venues have their own obligations under the law and may ask you to stop filming.
What you should do
If you create or share content:
- Think carefully about how your content may be interpreted.
- Avoid content that glamorises or promotes gambling.
- Do not film or publish poker machine play without understanding the risks.
- Remove content that may breach the law.
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