Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct

The Code we have adopted

Victorian bookmakers are required to have a Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct that meets the standards set by Ministerial Direction. A bookmaker may either adopt an approved model code or submit their own code to the VGCCC for approval.

We have adopted the Victorian Bookmakers' Association Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct (On-course, telephone and online), effective 1 January 2026. All VBA members implement this Code. A copy is available from the VBA and from the VGCCC, and we will provide a copy on request.

What this commits us to

In plain terms:

We will not chase your money

We do not offer sign-up bonuses, free bets, referral rewards or any other inducement to open or use an account. Offering inducements to open a betting account is unlawful in Victoria. We will not require you to consent to marketing in order to open an account, and choosing not to receive marketing has no bearing on your application.

We will help you set limits, and make them easy to keep

You can set a deposit limit when your account is opened or at any point afterwards. A request to reduce a limit takes effect immediately. A request to increase one is subject to a cooling-off period. We will not offer you an incentive to raise or remove a limit.

We will let you leave

You can close your account at any time, for any reason. We will act on the request the same day it is made, and we will not ask you to reconsider or offer you anything to stay.

We will watch for signs of harm

Because we operate a small telephone book, we speak to our clients directly and we know their betting patterns. Where we see signs that betting is causing harm, we will raise it with the account holder and, where appropriate, act on it — including by declining bets, reducing limits, or closing an account. We record any such interaction and what came of it.

We will keep minors out

Accounts are available only to persons aged 18 or over whose identity has been verified. It is an offence to bet on behalf of a person under 18.

We will train our people

Everyone involved in taking bets completes responsible gambling training to the standard the Code requires, with refresher training as required. We keep a record of who has completed training and when.

Self-exclusion

BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register. Registering with BetStop prevents every licensed Australian wagering operator from opening an account for you or accepting your bets, for a period you choose from three months to a lifetime.

We check BetStop before opening an account and on an ongoing basis. If you are registered, we are prohibited by law from opening an account for you and cannot proceed with an application.

You can register at betstop.gov.au or on 1800 985 887. Registration is free, and you do not need to tell us you have done it.

You can also ask us to exclude yourself from betting with us specifically, without going through BetStop. Ask either of us, by phone or in writing, and tell us how long for. We will close the account, return any balance, remove you from any contact list, and decline bets from you for the period you set. We will not ask you to reconsider, and we will not contact you to invite you back when it ends.

Getting help

Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money, and the odds are structured so that most people lose over time. If betting has stopped being enjoyable, or is affecting your finances, your work or the people around you, help is free and confidential.

Support is also available for family members and friends of someone who gambles, on the same numbers.

If we fall short

If you think we have not met a commitment in the Code, tell us. Our complaints process and the external escalation paths are on our Complaints & Disputes page.

Complaints about responsible gambling and self-exclusion can also be raised with the Victorian Bookmakers' Association or Racing Victoria, who refer such matters to the VGCCC.