Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is facing mounting pressure from her own Labor colleagues due to delays in implementing proposed reforms to poker machine operations. Originally planned as part of a broader strategy to update gambling controls, these reforms were expected to introduce significant changes, including a pilot program for cashless gaming.
A Person with Manicured Nails Pressing Buttons on a Slot Machine · Free Stock Photo
However, implementation has been repeatedly pushed back, causing frustration among MPs who argue that the government is hesitating due to the lucrative revenue generated from poker machines across the state. These delays are now becoming a flashpoint in internal party discussions, especially as other states consider moving forward with their own reforms.
A Missed Opportunity for Reform
The planned cashless gaming trial, which was scheduled to begin mid-2025, has stalled indefinitely, with no clear timeline for rollout. Critics within the party argue that the delay sends the wrong message about the government’s commitment to updating the gambling sector. Many expected the trial to act as a benchmark for future legislation. However, concerns over the potential financial hit to state revenue have seemingly overridden policy momentum. Internal sources say several MPs have expressed frustration during recent party meetings, arguing that delays could damage public trust and provide ammunition for opposition parties in the lead-up to the next state election.
The Rise of Online Alternatives
As delays persist in the physical gambling sector, many Australians are exploring digital platforms for entertainment. While online casino-style gaming sites cannot yet obtain a licence in Australia, some offshore sites continue to attract attention. Several online casinos are licenced in other locations and offer their services to Australian players. For example, coinpoker Australia, a blockchain-based poker platform, operates outside Australian jurisdiction and appeals to poker enthusiasts with features like fast deposits, transparency, and global access.
Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar venues, which are bound by location and availability, offshore platforms allow users to play anytime, from anywhere. Crypto adoption is growing in the country, with 70% of the population holding cryptocurrencies. The adoption and rise of decentralised platforms highlights a broader interest in digital entertainment alternatives, especially as technology continues to reshape how people engage in online casino games globally.
Without proactive policies and regulations, governments risk missing out on significant tax revenue, as users will likely continue turning to offshore platforms in the absence of legal, local alternatives.
Revenue Reliance Clouds Policy
Victoria is among the Australian states most financially reliant on poker machine revenue, with local councils also benefiting from licensing and venue agreements. This economic dependence is seen by critics as a major factor in the state government’s reluctance to proceed with reform.
In 2024 alone, pokies generated over $3 billion in revenue for the state. While some MPs are vocal about the need to modernise and shift focus towards accountability, others remain wary of short-term fiscal impacts. As a result, the issue is creating a noticeable rift within the Labor party, with some urging leadership to prioritise long-term benefits over short-term gains.
Technological Lag in Traditional Venues
The stalled cashless gaming trial highlights the technological gap between traditional gambling venues and the broader digital landscape. While many online services, such as legal sports betting platforms, are rapidly evolving to meet user expectations around security and efficiency, a large number of Victoria’s pokies venues still rely on outdated infrastructure. Cash-based machines lack the transparency and control that digital systems could offer.
The proposed cashless system was intended to introduce features like usage tracking and spend limits via preloaded cards or apps. However, the failure to launch the trial is contributing to a perception that brick-and-mortar venues are slow to innovate, placing them at a disadvantage in an increasingly digital economy.
Intergovernmental Comparisons Intensify Pressure
Other Australian states, including New South Wales and Tasmania, are advancing their own digital reform agendas in the gambling sector, prompting comparisons and placing additional pressure on the Victorian Government. Tasmania has already committed to introducing cashless gaming by 2026, and New South Wales is actively conducting its own trials.
These developments are being watched closely by both reform advocates and the gambling industry. Victorian MPs supportive of change argue that the state risks falling behind and losing its leadership role in policy development. At the same time, external stakeholders are questioning whether the government’s hesitancy reflects a broader resistance to change.
A Critical Juncture for State Leadership
With rising internal dissent, growing public awareness, and interstate comparisons gaining traction, the Victorian Government stands at a critical juncture. Premier Jacinta Allan now faces the challenge of restoring confidence within her own party while also addressing mounting public and media scrutiny.
