Key Moments:
- The VGCCC released its 2025–26 Annual Plan on 15 October, highlighting new priorities for harm prevention and accountability.
- The regulator is rolling out a five-year public awareness campaign and technology upgrades to modernize its operations.
- Ongoing oversight includes major transformation programs for Crown and Tabcorp, as well as a zero-tolerance policy on underage gambling.
Regulatory Priorities and Vision
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has released its Annual Plan for 2025–26. This marks its fourth year as an independent regulator. The plan outlines steps to prioritize community safety and ensure gambling remains fair and free from crime.
VGCCC Chief Executive Officer Suzy Neilan emphasized the innovative and community-focused approach taken in this year’s plan. “This year’s plan reflects our ambition to be bold, intelligence-led, data-driven, and deeply connected to the communities we serve,” Neilan said. “We’re evolving how we regulate, using smarter tools, stronger partnerships, and a sharper focus on harm minimisation to protect Victorians.”
Prevention, Accountability, and Stronger Partnerships
The Commission’s top priorities are preventing gambling-related harm and strengthening industry accountability. It will focus on identifying risky behaviors early and protecting minors and excluded players. It will also enforce standards for responsible advertising. In addition, the VGCCC will continue collaborating with law enforcement to combat money laundering and illegal gambling.
Feedback from the Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence continues to shape the regulator’s approach, with reforms focused on greater oversight and transparency.
Major Initiatives and Strategic Projects
The VGCCC has announced several projects aimed at benefiting the public, including a wide-reaching five-year campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of gambling and to empower communities. Planned technology upgrades aim to streamline regulatory processes and make enforcement more responsive. The regulator has also reaffirmed backing for mandatory carded play and pre-commitment reforms as measures to help individuals maintain control over their gambling behaviors.
“We’re not just regulating, we’re modernising how regulation is done,” Neilan said. “By aligning our work with the Statement of Expectations and our core priorities, we’re making sure our efforts are proactive, transparent, and focused on long-term community benefit.”
Enhancing Compliance and Industry Oversight
Neilan detailed the Commission’s continued focus on ensuring all gambling operators adhere strictly to legal standards and uphold their social responsibilities. “Notable examples include directing Crown and Tabcorp to implement major transformation programs and maintaining ongoing oversight of these initiatives,” she said. “We have also enforced a zero-tolerance policy towards providers that permit underage gambling.”
The VGCCC regulates a broad spectrum of gambling services in Victoria, such as the Melbourne casino, poker machines, bookmakers, sports controlling bodies, Keno, lotteries, and community gaming operators. A transition toward a sector-based operational model is underway, strengthening both comprehensive oversight and a risk-based, intelligence-driven approach. Digital modernization is a cornerstone of strategy, targeting operational efficiency, regulatory awareness, self-regulation, and positive community outcomes.
Stakeholder Engagement and Organizational Development
Engagement with key stakeholders remains a priority. This includes ongoing dialogue with those affected by gambling harms, as well as partnerships with industry groups and law enforcement bodies. The objective is to reinforce compliance and effective prevention of illicit activity.
Neilan described the upcoming year as the start of a new chapter for the VGCCC, focusing on solidifying its regulatory foundation, modernizing its structure, and fostering organizational growth to better serve the Victorian public. She also noted that the regulator’s move to new headquarters in Melbourne’s CBD is expected to enhance collaboration and workplace culture.
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- Author
Daniel Williams
