New gaming regulations to support industry transition
The Victorian Coalition Government has amended gaming regulations to enable the industry to transition smoothly to new licensing arrangements set to come into effect in August 2012, Gaming Minister Michael O'Brien announced today.
"Reforms to gaming regulations continue the work the Coalition Government is doing to ensure a smooth transition to new licensing arrangements for the gaming industry," Mr O'Brien said.
"We made a commitment to provide greater certainty around the new licensing arrangements and these amendments will assist the industry during this transition," Mr O'Brien said.
The amendments will see the Victorian Commission for Gaming and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) become a 'one stop shop' for all liquor and gaming regulatory matters.
The changes will make gaming requirements more consistent with the provision of responsible alcohol signage and introduce consistent requirements for venue operators around responsible alcohol and responsible gambling signage.
"Consistency is critical for venue operators. Knowing where to go for advice around all liquor and gaming regulatory matters will be critical to the smooth transition," Mr O'Brien said.
The new regulations also prescribe a responsible gambling sign to be displayed at every entrance to gaming areas.
"These changes are consistent with the recommendation of the Responsible Gaming and Ministerial Advisory Council.
"They demonstrate that the Coalition Government is taking a proactive approach toward promoting responsible gambling," Mr O'Brien said.
The changes will also modernise a number of requirements that apply to community and charitable gaming. Results of trade promotion lotteries can now be published online as an alternative to traditional print advertising, and raffle organisers will now be required to retain unclaimed prizes for three rather than 12 months.
The Gambling Regulation (Amendment) Regulations 2012 will also amend licensing arrangements to ensure that only employees who carry out duties related to the integrity of gaming will require a licence.
Mr O'Brien said the changes will also ensure that gambling regulation keeps pace with the changing business and consumer practices.
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