Regulator identifies only minor issues across 16 venues and operators during major regional inspection program
The Victorian gambling regulator has reported a high level of compliance following an extensive inspection operation conducted during one of the Wimmera’s busiest racing and social weekends.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) carried out a targeted licensing and compliance campaign across the Grampians region during Horsham Cup Weekend from October 16-18, focusing primarily on gambling venues and wagering operators within the Rural City of Horsham.
Inspectors visited 16 locations, including poker machine venues, TAB outlets and the Horsham Racing Club, while also conducting inspections in Ararat, Stawell and Hamilton. The operation uncovered only a small number of minor non-compliance issues, with no significant breaches detected.
“Our teams visited every gaming venue and operator within the Horsham Local Government Area, and it was encouraging to see such a strong level of compliance,” VGCCC Chief Executive Officer Suzy Neilan said.
“Only a handful of relatively minor issues were identified throughout the inspection program.”
Among the matters detected, staff at a venue in Ararat were unable to correctly encode a casual YourPlay card when requested by inspectors, a Hamilton venue displayed non-compliant poker machine signage, and a bookmaker operating at the Horsham Racing Club failed to display the required identification.
The VGCCC said it is working directly with the affected venue operators and licensees to address the shortcomings and strengthen understanding of regulatory obligations.
“We are engaging with operators to ensure these matters are rectified promptly and to improve awareness of the requirements set out under Victoria’s gambling legislation,” Ms Neilan said.
Focus on Education and Harm Prevention
The compliance operation formed part of the regulator’s broader efforts to promote responsible gambling practices and strengthen industry understanding of harm-minimisation requirements.
The Rural City of Horsham currently hosts 153 electronic gaming machines across three licensed venues. During the 2025-26 financial year, poker machine expenditure in the municipality reached $13.7 million.
According to Ms Neilan, research continues to show that poker machine use is associated with significant gambling-related harm across regional Victoria, making regulatory oversight and community education essential.
“While Horsham has fewer gaming machines than many metropolitan areas, it remains critical that both patrons and operators understand the serious impacts gambling harm can have on individuals, families and communities,” she said.
Ms Neilan emphasized that regional compliance operations are designed to support operators as much as enforce regulations.
“Our inspections are not simply about identifying breaches. They provide an important opportunity to spend time in regional communities, engage directly with operators and help them understand their responsibilities for the gambling products they offer.”
Industry Compliance Remains Key Priority
Victorians spend more than $7 billion on gambling each year, including approximately $2.6 billion on wagering and sports betting.
The VGCCC said maintaining compliance with gambling and harm-minimisation measures remains central to ensuring a safe and responsible gambling environment across the state.
“Compliance with gambling and harm-minimisation obligations is essential to protecting consumers and maintaining public confidence in Victoria’s wagering and gaming industries,” Ms Neilan said.
“All license holders are expected to meet their obligations, and we will continue monitoring compliance across the sector, including at future race meetings and regional events.”
Gambling Harm Awareness Week Highlights Safer Gambling Practices
The inspection campaign coincided with the lead-up to Gambling Harm Awareness Week, which runs from October 24-31 and encourages Victorians to reflect on their gambling habits and adopt practical strategies to reduce risk.
The campaign promotes three key safer-gambling practices:
- Take a break: Pause, reflect and reset.
- Bet once a week, maximum: Less frequent gambling reduces risk.
- Set a time limit: Plan ahead before placing a bet or playing.
The initiative also serves as a reminder that venue operators and license holders play a critical role in identifying and reducing gambling-related harm.
“Preventing gambling harm is a shared responsibility and requires year-round commitment from both regulators and industry participants,” Ms Neilan said.
“Our focus is ensuring operators have the systems, controls and safeguards necessary to minimize harm and protect Victorians. When those obligations are not met, we will not hesitate to take appropriate regulatory action.”
