Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Bingo Inquiry

Victorians are being offered the chance to help shape the future of the gambling landscape in the State after the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) announced that it would be conducting an in-depth investigation into the rules governing bingo activities in the state.

The announcement follows recent updates to the State’s laws regarding online gambling accounts, including how operators display information to account holders and transparency regarding spending.

These steps are part of the Commission’s ongoing effort to refine the state’s gambling regulations and assert its position as the government’s prime body for protecting players’ interests. 

The Role of the VGCCC. 

Following a 2021 Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence, the VGCCC was established to address some of the shocking revelations from the report, including how vulnerable Victorians were being left exposed to risks associated with problem gambling and deficiencies in the state’s approach to gambling regulation. 

To this end, the Commission is on a mission to adapt its regulatory frameworks to accommodate ever-changing technology to mitigate harm and improve player protection. This inquiry presents an opportunity for the VGCCC to comprehensively understand bingo’s social dynamics and its evolution alongside modern technology. 

The VGCCC believes engaging industry stakeholders in this inquiry will help enhance the game’s social aspects and create a fairer, more modern regulatory framework for bingo. The inquiry will focus on improving risk awareness, emerging social issues surrounding the gambling industry at large, and refining gaming regulation to better protect players and those at risk. 

The VGCCC stated that through collaboration with stakeholders, customers, and employees and through insights garnered from the wider community, it hopes to deepen its understanding of the sector and determine best practices for enhancing regulatory practices going forward. 

The Rise of Bingo. 

Bingo is a sociable, community-driven activity enjoyed by players throughout the State and the country. Exciting prizes are usually up for grabs, and proceeds generally go towards charity fundraising. Until recently, very little attention has been given to the negative impact that this seemingly benign pastime could have on certain community members.

The growth that bingo participation has seen in Victoria in recent times is staggering. So much so that the game has seen a massive 70 per cent jump in turnover in a mere decade. This is largely due to the game’s transition into the more modern format seen today, which can be played on digital platforms often linked to generous pooled jackpot prizes. 

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Bingo has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, with revenue generated in the last financial year far exceeding that of Keno, which has long been an Aussie staple. This and the concerns raised regarding player safety have prompted the Commission’s in-depth investigation into the game and its impact on society. 

Fran Thorn, Chair of the VGCCC, stated, “Given this evolution, we must assess and address issues of fairness, integrity, and the potential for gambling harm, particularly among at-risk groups such as seniors, First Nations communities, women, and lower-income individuals.” 

The Risks of Bingo in Our Communities.

The VGCCC has been receiving reports concerning bingo activities, prompting questions about the fairness of community bingo games and whether charitable organisations are getting their share of the revenue raised. 

Thorn stated that “despite regulatory oversight, we continue to receive reports and allegations of unlicensed operators and potentially fraudulent activities,” sparking concerns about fairness, integrity, and the potential for gambling harm in the community. 

Bingo is often associated with potentially more vulnerable community members, such as seniors, people with learning difficulties, or low-income earners. Therefore, it is with increasing urgency that the Commission completes its investigation so measures can be taken to protect those at risk.  

How The VGCCC Inquiry Can Help. 

Through this Inquiry, the VGCCC seeks to understand bingo’s social significance while trying to identify and mitigate risks that could potentially harm the game’s integrity. 

The Commission will investigate the suitability of existing bingo regulations in Victoria, evaluate the vulnerability of cash-based transactions to criminal activities, and assess how and whether profits contribute positively to community organisations.

Following the changes made in April of this year, the VGCCC seeks to further demonstrate the government’s proactive approach to adapting regulatory frameworks to evolving technology and the gambling landscape to ensure that player protection remains at the forefront. 

By improving transparency, holding operators accountable, and punishing them for failing to comply with regulations through financial and operational penalties, the Commission can significantly improve player safety and further solidify the state’s dedication to responsible gambling and community safety.