A major licensing compliance operation conducted by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) across one of the Wimmera region’s busiest social weekends has delivered highly encouraging results, according to CEO Suzy Neilan.
During the Horsham Cup Weekend held from 16 to 18 October, VGCCC inspectors deployed across the Grampians region to visit poker machine venues, TAB outlets, and the Horsham Racing Club, with primary inspection focus directed toward the Rural City of Horsham alongside Ararat, Stawell, and Hamilton.
Speaking on the outcome of the sweep, Ms Neilan confirmed that inspection teams visited 16 distinct locations. Crucially, within the Horsham Local Government Area (LGA), inspectors visited every operating gaming venue and licensee, uncovering no major or systemic breaches.
Ms Neilan stated:
“Our teams visited 16 locations across the Grampians region, and within the Horsham Local Government Area (LGA), we visited every gaming venue and operator. It was reassuring to us that only a small number of relatively minor breaches were identified. ”
Addressing minor compliance gaps
While major infractions were absent, inspectors noted three isolated compliance issues requiring remedial attention: staff at an Ararat venue were unable to encode a casual YourPlay card upon request, a venue in Hamilton displayed non-compliant electronic gaming machine signage, and a single bookmaker at the Horsham Racing Club failed to display mandatory identification. Regulatory officers are actively collaborating with the affected operators and licensees to rectify these shortcomings and reinforce understanding of statutory gambling requirements.
The regulatory focus on Horsham reflects the region’s active gaming footprint. The Rural City of Horsham currently accommodates 153 poker machines distributed across three licensed venues, with player expenditure reaching $13.7 million throughout the 2025/26 financial year.
Ms Neilan emphasized:
“Research tells us that using poker machines is associated with high levels of gambling harm in and around Horsham and regional Victoria. While there are fewer machines than other parts of the state, it is essential that people who use poker machines, and those who operate them, understand the very serious impacts they can cause. Our regional inspections are not about looking for breaches—they are an important opportunity for us to spend time in the district and help operators understand the obligations specific to the gambling products they offer.”
Alignment with Gambling Harm Awareness Week
The regional compliance tour precedes Gambling Harm Awareness Week, running from 24 to 31 October. The statewide campaign encourages the public to evaluate their gambling frequency and duration while advocating three practical safer gambling strategies applicable across poker machines, wagering, and sports betting: taking a break to reflect and reset, betting no more than once a week to lower risk, and establishing firm time limits before playing.
With Victorians spending in excess of $7 billion annually on gambling, including $2.6 billion dedicated to wagering and sports betting, the commission reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on operator negligence.
Ms Neilan concluded:
“Compliance with gambling and harm minimisation requirements is essential to maintaining a safe and responsible wagering environment. All licence holders are expected to meet their obligations, and we will continue to monitor compliance across the industry, including at other race meets”.
