Community-Informed Research Shapes Victorian Bingo Regulation Proposals
Bingo is a chance-based game played by thousands of Victorians each year, often in community settings and increasingly through digital formats. While traditionally seen as a low-risk social activity, research led by Professor Sarah MacLean revealed that digitisation and commercialisation have introduced new harms, particularly for older women, First Nations communities, and people experiencing financial hardship.
The study examined how personal electronic tablets (PETs), rolling jackpots, and the proximity of bingo to other gambling products have changed the nature of play. These features increase the speed and intensity of gambling, creating risks that were previously absent in traditional bingo.
The research called for clearer regulation and a public health approach to bingo governance to protect vulnerable players while maintaining the social benefits of the game.
Findings from this project were central to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission’s Inquiry into bingo provision and regulation (2024). Dr MacLean submitted a detailed response to the Inquiry, recommending reforms such as caps on PET usage, separation of bingo from electronic gaming machines, and improved transparency around bingo proceeds.
Dr MacLean stated: “In consultation with bingo players, we recommend reorienting the Victorian Government gambling framework to adopt a public health approach to bingo, with harm reduction and fairness to players as key legislative aims.”
These recommendations were reflected in the Inquiry’s Key Findings report (2025), which proposed eleven regulatory actions. Key measures included a cap of 48 electronic tickets per game, modernised equipment standards, and enhanced data collection and publication.
Published February, 2026