How to Apply for a Pokies License in Melbourne: A Complete Guide

Application Type	Average Time
Transfer of existing license & entitlements	~3 months
Add 5–10 machines to an existing venue	~4–6 months
New build, new license, new entitlements	~8–12 months

Key Takeaway

Getting a pokies license approved in Melbourne is not instant. The real timeline depends on:

• How ready you are,

• How tricky your location is,

• Whether your community supports you,

• And how well you manage paperwork.

Good prep = faster approval.

Rushing with missing info = months of costly delays.

Common Reasons Pokies License Applications Get Rejected

Getting a pokies license in Melbourne isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about proving you can run gaming machines legally, responsibly, and without harming your community.

Each year, plenty of hopeful pub owners, club managers, or new venue investors get a harsh surprise:

Rejected. Application refused. Lost money and wasted time.

Here’s why it happens — and how you can avoid the same fate.

1. Poor or Missing Local Council Approval

This is by far the most common reason new pokies license applications get stuck.

If your venue doesn’t:

• Have a valid local council planning permit for gaming, or

• Violates local zoning rules (e.g., too close to schools or community hubs),

…the VGCCC will reject your application — no exceptions.

How to avoid: Always lock in council approval before submitting to the VGCCC. If there’s any doubt, fix it first.

2. Weak or Non-Existent Community Impact Statement (CIS)

New venues or major expansions must usually submit a CIS showing:

• Local benefits (jobs, community funding).

• How the venue will manage problem gambling.

• Evidence that the area won’t be negatively affected.

A sloppy CIS that’s just a few pages with vague promises? Instant red flag.

Councils, community groups, and the VGCCC will pick it apart — and you may face strong objections that kill your plan.

How to avoid: Hire a consultant or do your homework. Use real local data. Address concerns before they come up.

3. Failure to Secure Enough Entitlements

You can’t run pokies in Victoria without a matching entitlement for every single machine.

Many applications fail because:

• The venue applies before securing enough entitlements.

• The transfer deal falls through.

• The applicant can’t prove they have the funds to pay.

How to avoid: Secure your entitlements first (or at least show binding contracts) before lodging your application.

4. Missing or Weak Responsible Gambling Code

A half-finished, cut-and-paste Code of Conduct won’t cut it.

The VGCCC looks for:

• A clear, customised plan.

• Evidence that staff are trained.

• Self-exclusion processes in place.

• Signage and information to protect players.

No real plan? Or just vague promises with no detail? Denied.

How to avoid: Use an approved industry template or hire a consultant to help you tailor your code properly.

5. Incomplete or Inaccurate Financial Details

You must prove you have the money to:

• Buy entitlements,

• Fit out your venue,

• Cover staff training,

• Pay taxes and annual fees.

The VGCCC checks your:

• Business plan,

• Funding sources,

• Past records (if you own other venues).

If anything looks dodgy — like mystery funding with no paperwork, unrealistic profit numbers, or hidden debts — your application can be refused.

How to avoid: Be transparent. Show bank statements, loans, investor agreements — anything that proves you’re legit and stable.

6. Community or Resident Objections

Sometimes, even if you do everything right on paper, local residents or community groups object strongly. They may argue that:

• The area already has high problem gambling rates.

• The venue is too close to schools or churches.

• The new pokies will harm vulnerable people.

While objections don’t always kill an application outright, they:

• Slow you down (hearings, extra reports).

• Often lead to the VGCCC siding with local concerns if your benefits aren’t clear.

How to avoid: Consult locals early. Adjust your plan (fewer machines, better harm measures) to win support.

7. Not Meeting Venue Standards

Your venue layout must meet strict guidelines:

• Proper spacing between machines,

• Privacy screens if needed,

• Correct signage,

• Security cameras,

• Access for compliance inspections.

If your plans don’t match the rules, you’ll be asked to fix them — or your application may be rejected.

How to avoid: Work with an architect or designer experienced in gaming venue builds.

8. Prior Compliance or Conduct Issues

If you or your business:

• Has a history of breaching gambling laws,

• Failed to pay taxes,

• Or ran an unlicensed gaming venue,

…expect extra scrutiny — or an outright rejection.

How to avoid: Be upfront. If you have a past issue, declare it honestly and show what’s changed.

How to Fix a Rejected Application

If you’re rejected, you may:

• Lodge an appeal (costly and time-consuming).

• Tweak your plan and reapply.

• Wait for a new auction or opportunity.

But you’ll still lose non-refundable fees and months of time.

Key Takeaway

Most pokies license rejections happen because the operator:

• Didn’t plan ahead,

• Skipped local approval,

• Underestimated costs,

• Or didn’t show real community care.

If you fix these early, your odds of success jump way up.

Tips to Boost Your Approval Chances

So you know the steps.

You know the costs.

And you know what can sink your pokies license application fast.

Now — let’s flip it to the positive side.

Here’s what smart, successful venue owners and club managers do to boost their odds of getting a pokies license approved smoothly — and running a compliant, profitable venue for years to come.

1. Involve Your Local Council Early

Too many new operators focus only on the VGCCC — but your local council is just as important.

• They issue the planning permit that says gaming is allowed on your premises.

• They review your venue plans for zoning compliance.

• They often hear and mediate community concerns.

Top tip: Book a meeting with the council planning team before you even start your formal application.

Share your:

• Venue concept,

• Expected number of machines,

• Harm minimisation measures,

• Community benefit ideas.

This shows you’re transparent — and it heads off surprises later.

2. Prepare a Strong Community Impact Statement (CIS)

A well-prepared CIS can make or break your application — especially if you’re adding new machines or opening a new gaming venue.

• Use real data on local demographics and gambling stats.

• Highlight local economic benefits: jobs created, suppliers used.

• Commit to community contributions: donations, local partnerships

• Clearly explain your harm minimisation plan.

Smart move: Hire a professional consultant to draft or review your CIS. A few thousand spent here can save you months of delays later.

3. Be Honest and Detailed About Funding

The VGCCC wants to see where your money comes from:

• Is it self-funded, investor-backed, or via a business loan?

• Are the people behind it reputable?

• Is the money traceable and legally sourced?

  • Provide clear bank statements, loan letters, or investor agreemen
  • Show a realistic budget and revenue projection.
  • Avoid shady, hidden “private funding” with no paperwork — that’s a red flag.

4. Line Up Entitlements Before You Lodge

No entitlements = no pokies, no license.

• Bid in state auctions if you have time.

• Buy or transfer entitlements from an existing venue.

• Lock in transfer agreements with clear conditions.

Best practice: Include your entitlement contract or auction proof in your VGCCC application so they see you’re ready to go.

5. Use an Expert Licensing Consultant or Lawyer

Smart operators rarely tackle pokies licensing alone — especially for big expansions or new builds.

• A licensing lawyer knows the paperwork traps.

• A gaming consultant can handle your CIS, venue layout, and community negotiations.

• They know what the VGCCC looks for — and how to fix issues before they blow up.

It’s an upfront cost — but compared to losing a $200,000 entitlement deal? It’s worth it.

6. Train Your Staff Early

Before final approval, you must prove you have:

• A Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct.

• Proper signage and self-exclusion processes.

• Staff trained to handle problem gambling signs.

  • Book staff into approved training (Responsible Service of Gaming).
  • Keep training certificates handy — they’re often requested during compliance checks.

7. Engage the Local Community Proactively

A huge mistake: ignoring local residents until the public notice goes up.

• Hold informal info sessions for nearby residents or community groups.

• Listen to concerns about problem gambling or noise — and offer real solutions (limits on machines, community benefit donations, strict staff rules).

• Be ready to tweak your plan if local pushback is strong.

8. Triple-Check All Paperwork

Rejections and delays happen more often because of basic mistakes:

• Missing sections in the application.

• Wrong fees paid.

• Outdated council approval letters.

• No proof of staff training.

How to Avoid :

• Make a checklist.

• Use an expert.

• Keep digital and hard copies of everything.

9. Prepare for a Possible Hearing

Even the best applications sometimes face objections. Be ready to:

• Show up at a hearing.

• Explain your harm minimisation plan.

• Offer to reduce machine numbers or add extra safeguards if needed.

Good preparation here often wins the community — or at least softens opposition.

10. Keep Records for Future Compliance

Once you’re licensed, you’re not done — the VGCCC will inspect your venue, audit your financials, and check your harm minimisation in action.

• Keep clear training records.

• Save annual Community Benefit Statements (if you’re a club).

• Stay up to date with fees and taxes.

Small slip-ups can risk fines or, worse, losing your license later.

Key Takeaway

You can’t guarantee 100% approval — but you can stack the odds massively in your favour.

• Plan early.

• Be transparent.

• Get your paperwork watertight.

• Work with your council, your community, and the VGCCC — not against them.

Done right, your pokies license can unlock a steady income stream for your venue — and keep you on the right side of Victoria’s strict gambling laws.

Transferring or Buying Pokies Entitlements

So you know you can’t run even one pokie machine in Victoria without having a matching entitlement for it — but how do you actually get those entitlements?

This is one of the most confusing parts for new pub owners and club managers — and it’s also where big mistakes can cost you thousands.

Here’s how it really works

What Is a Gaming Machine Entitlement?

Think of an entitlement like a legal license “token” for each pokie machine you want to operate.

• One entitlement = one gaming machine.

• Want 10 pokies? You need 10 entitlements.

• No entitlement? No pokies. Simple.

Unlike liquor licenses, these entitlements are strictly limited by the state.

They can’t be created out of thin air — they must be:

• Bought at government auctions when new ones are released, or

• Legally transferred from an existing venue that already owns them.

Option 1: Buying Through a VGCCC Auction

When Victoria needs to issue new entitlements (for example, if old ones expire or new caps are released), the VGCCC runs competitive public auctions.

How it works:

• Venues register and bid for a set number of entitlements.

• Bids are usually done online or through an appointed agent.

• The final price depends on demand — popular suburbs can push prices up fast.

Pros:

• Fully legitimate, straightforward ownership.

• Good for new venues that want a block of machines at once.

Cons:

• Timing — auctions only happen occasionally, not every year.

• High competition — prices can spike unexpectedly.

• You’ll need upfront cash or finance ready to pay.

Tip: Watch VGCCC notices or get a gaming consultant to help you prepare bids properly.

Option 2: Buying or Transferring from Another Venue

The more common route: buying existing entitlements from another operator who’s:

• Closing down,

• Reducing their machine numbers,

• Or shifting machines to a different location.

Here’s how it works:
1. You negotiate a private sale price with the other venue’s owner.

2. You draft a formal transfer agreement (often with help from a lawyer).

3. Both parties submit the transfer paperwork to the VGCCC for approval.

4. Once approved, the entitlement legally moves to your venue.

Pros:

• Flexible — you can get exactly the number you need.

• Can be faster than waiting for an auction.

• Sometimes better pricing if you’re negotiating privately.

Cons:

• Market prices vary wildly — $15,000 to $50,000+ per entitlement.

• Buyer must verify the seller’s entitlements are valid, unencumbered, and compliant.

• Transfer fees apply — usually $200–$500 per entitlement to the VGCCC.

How to Check the Entitlements Are Legit

When you buy from another operator, always:

• Ask for proof of ownership (VGCCC documentation).

• Check for any disputes, debts, or encumbrances tied to the entitlements.

• Confirm they’re not expired or restricted.

• Use a solicitor or licensing consultant to handle the contracts.

Important: Transfer Rules

Victoria has clear rules to stop misuse:

• Entitlements must be attached to an approved venue address.

• Transfers must follow local area caps — you can’t just move pokies to any suburb if it pushes that area over its machine limit.

• You must have local council planning approval for the extra machines before the VGCCC will approve the transfer.

How Much Do Entitlements Cost Right Now?

There’s no fixed public price list.

• Typical range: $15,000–$50,000+ per entitlement depending on location, demand, and whether there’s an auction nearby.

• Prices often rise in high-demand urban areas like Melbourne CBD, inner suburbs, or booming regional hubs.

Example: Adding 10 machines could easily cost you $200,000–$400,000 upfront, just for entitlements.

Can I Lease Entitlements?

Unlike some other industries, Victoria does not allow informal leasing of entitlements.

• You must either own them outright or operate them under a strict transfer/ownership arrangement.

• Any shady “unofficial rental deals” can get you banned and fined heavily.

Key Steps for a Smooth Transfer

1. Secure your local council approval for the extra machines.

2. Have a clear sale agreement drafted — including conditions, payment schedule, and obligations.

3. Lodge the formal transfer with the VGCCC.

4. Pay the transfer fee and any stamp duty or legal costs.

5. Wait for VGCCC confirmation before installing the machines.

Key Takeaway

No entitlements, no pokies — simple as that.

Whether you bid at auction or buy from another venue:

• Do your due diligence,

• Budget carefully — it’s usually your biggest upfront cost,

• Use professionals to handle the contracts,

• Make sure you have the matching planning permit to avoid transfer rejections.

Compliance After Approval

You’ve done the hard yards — council approval, paperwork, VGCCC inspections, buying your entitlements — and now you finally have your pokies license in hand.

So that’s it, right?

Machines on.

Profits roll in.

…Not so fast!

A pokies license in Victoria is not a “set and forget” deal.

Keeping it active — and avoiding fines or a shutdown — means meeting strict ongoing compliance rules every single year.

Here’s what you’ll need to stay on top of

1. Pay Annual Entitlement Fees

Each entitlement costs money every year, even after you buy it upfront.

Current estimate: around $1,800–$2,200 per machine, per year.

Fees are usually due annually, and must be paid on time to the VGCCC.

If you don’t pay:

• Your entitlements can lapse.

• You risk losing your right to operate pokies altogether.

Tip: Put your annual due date in your calendar — many venues get caught by automatic expiry.

2. Pay Gaming Taxes Correctly

On top of entitlement fees, you pay taxes on your actual pokies revenue.

• Hotels and clubs pay a percentage (often 30%–50%) of net gaming revenue to the state government.

• The exact rate depends on your venue type, revenue bands, and whether you’re a club with community benefits.

• Payments are usually lodged monthly or quarterly.

Under-reporting or late payments can trigger audits, fines, or even license suspension.

3. Submit Required Annual Statements

Some venues must file:

• An annual Community Benefit Statement (CBS) if you’re a club — showing how much pokies revenue goes back into community programs, sponsorships, or local services.

• Annual financial statements and compliance declarations to the VGCCC.

Missing or inaccurate statements can block your license renewal or put you on the commission’s watch list.

4. Keep Staff Training Current

Responsible gambling training isn’t a one-time checkbox.

• New staff must complete Responsible Service of Gaming (RSG) training before working the gaming area.

• Some roles (like managers or supervisors) need advanced training too.

• Staff must do refresher courses as required — usually every 3 years.

Keep certificates up to date — the VGCCC will check during random inspections.

5. Maintain a Compliant Venue Layout

Your approved gaming floor plan must:

• Match what you submitted in your license application.

• Keep approved spacing, signage, and privacy screens in place.

• Maintain CCTV coverage for gaming areas.

• Stay accessible for inspections at any time.

Making changes?

Adding more machines, moving the gaming room, or renovating? You may need:

• Council sign-off again.

• Updated approval from VGCCC.

• New entitlements if you’re adding machines.

6. Stick to Responsible Gambling Rules

Your Responsible Gambling Code must stay active — not just sit in a drawer.

That means:

• Displaying problem gambling helplines and player info terminals.

• Keeping self-exclusion forms available and confidential.

• Logging any self-exclusion requests correctly.

• Running your venue shutdown hours if required (some areas have mandatory daily pokies shut-off times).

7. Be Ready for Inspections

The VGCCC or local council inspectors can:

• Visit unannounced.

• Check your machines, signage, and floor plan.

• Verify staff compliance and training.

• Review your financial records.

If they find breaches, you can get:

• Formal warnings.

• Fines.

• License suspension.

• Or even a full cancellation in extreme cases.

Pro tip: Treat every day like an inspection day — it’s the easiest way to stay safe.

8. Keep Good Records

Keep copies of:

• Staff training certificates,

• Annual fees paid,

• Tax submissions,

• Self-exclusion logs,

• Incident reports,

• Community Benefit Statements.

Having organised, up-to-date records makes audits smooth — and protects you if there’s ever a dispute.

Key Takeaway

Owning a pokies license in Melbourne isn’t just about installing machines — it’s a continuous responsibility.

• Pay your fees on time.

• File taxes and community statements accurately.

• Keep your venue layout and harm minimisation measures up to date.

• Train your people well and refresh regularly.

• Stay prepared for random inspections.

Do it right, and your venue can legally and profitably operate pokies for years — while staying on the right side of Victoria’s tough gambling laws.

Pokies Licensing and Responsible Gambling

When you hold a pokies license in Victoria — especially in Melbourne’s tightly regulated environment — you’re not just running gaming machines for profit.

You’re also legally required to help reduce gambling harm in your community.

Why? Because pokies are fun and popular — but they can also cause real problems if players aren’t protected.

That’s why Victoria’s gambling laws are among the strictest in Australia when it comes to Responsible Gambling.

Here’s what you need to know — and do — to stay fully compliant.

1. Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct

Every venue with pokies must have a VGCCC-approved Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct.

This isn’t just a document — it’s a real plan for how your venue and staff will handle problem gambling signs day-to-day.

Your Code must cover:

• How you provide clear information to players about odds, risks, and where to get help.

• How you train staff to spot risky behaviours.

• How you handle self-exclusion requests discreetly and safely.

• How you display signage about help lines and spending limits.

• How you comply with mandatory shutdowns if required.

Many venues use an industry template (AHA Vic, CCV) — but it must match your real operations.

2. Player Information Displays

You must:

• Clearly display how your pokies work (e.g., RTP rates, payout odds).

• Put up signs about help services — like Gamblers Help Victoria, local helplines.

• Ensure these signs are visible in all gaming areas, not hidden behind a machine.

Missing signs = non-compliance = possible fines.

3. Self-Exclusion Programs

One of the biggest harm minimisation tools is the self-exclusion program.

Any player who feels their gambling is becoming harmful must be able to:

• Request to self-exclude from your venue.

• Complete the right form in private.

• Get help and info about where to seek professional support.

Your staff must:

• Know how to handle self-exclusion politely and discreetly.

• Keep records confidential.

• Never pressure someone to keep playing.

4. Mandatory Shutdown Hours

Some councils or local rules require pokies to shut down for certain hours each day — usually late at night to early morning.

This rule exists to help reduce overnight losses and limit continuous play.

You must:

• Program machines to switch off during shutdown hours.

• Train staff to enforce closing times.

• Post visible signage about when machines are unavailable.

5. Staff Training: Not Optional

All staff who work near the gaming area must:

• Complete Responsible Service of Gaming (RSG) training.

• Understand the venue’s Code of Conduct.

• Know how to spot signs of problem gambling (long sessions, visible distress, borrowing money to gamble).

• Be prepared to approach or assist customers appropriately.

Training isn’t “one and done” — certifications must be renewed or refreshed when rules change.

6. Community Benefit Requirements (Clubs)

If you’re a registered club:

• You’re expected to show that a portion of your pokies revenue goes back into community projects.

• This could be local sponsorships, events, or funding local sports, youth, or health services.

• Each year, you’ll submit a Community Benefit Statement (CBS) proving your contribution.

Failing to meet your CBS obligations can cost your club its entitlements — or your license.

7. Inspections & Penalties

The VGCCC can — and will — check:

• If your Code of Conduct is actually being followed.

• If self-exclusion records are up to date.

• If your staff have valid training.

• If you’re displaying the right signage.

Failure to comply can lead to:

• Formal warnings.

• Fines.

• Suspension or cancellation of your license.

Why It Matters

Responsible gambling isn’t just “tick a box” compliance — it protects:

• Your players,

• Your reputation,

• And your long-term business.

Venues that ignore their responsibilities risk:

• Bad local publicity,

• Community backlash,

• And tougher license conditions if breaches are found.

Key Takeaway

Running pokies is profitable — but only if you follow the rules.

• Keep your Responsible Gambling Code up to date.

• Train your staff well.

• Support your community honestly.

• Be ready for audits at any time.

That’s how smart Melbourne venue owners keep their pokies license — and their good name — for years to come.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Getting a Pokies License in Melbourne

Getting a pokies license in Melbourne — or anywhere in Victoria — isn’t quick or cheap.

It’s a serious process that protects players, local communities, and your business from risk.

You must secure TWO things:

• A valid Venue Operator’s License, plus

• Enough Gaming Machine Entitlements for every pokie you plan to run.

Be ready to:

• Win local council approval first — or your whole plan stops.

• Pay upfront and annual fees — entitlements alone can cost $15,000–$50,000+ per machine.

• Follow strict Responsible Gambling rules — signage, self-exclusion, trained staff, shutdown hours.

• Prove your financials are solid — and show how you benefit your local community.

Do the groundwork well:

• Strong Community Impact Statement.

• Local consultation to avoid objections.

• Smart use of a licensing consultant or gaming lawyer.

Done right?

You’ll join the many successful Melbourne hotels, pubs, and clubs running pokies legally — with steady income and local community trust.

Quick FAQ: Pokies License Melbourne

How many pokies can my venue have?
It depends on your entitlements, venue size, and local council caps. There are hard limits per local government area.

Can I buy someone else’s entitlements?
Yes — you can transfer entitlements from another venue, but the VGCCC must approve it and your location must allow it.

Do I need a license if I’m taking over a pub that already has pokies?
Yes — you still need to transfer the Venue Operator’s License and the entitlements legally. It’s not automatic.

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How long does it take to get approved?
Anywhere from 3 to 12 months, depending on council approval, community objections, and how complete your paperwork is.

Can I lose my pokies license once I have it?
Yes — for breaches like unpaid fees, tax issues, non-compliance with Responsible Gambling rules, or serious legal trouble.

Do clubs have different rules?
Community clubs must prove annual community benefits (via a Community Benefit Statement) and often face more scrutiny.

Do I really need a lawyer or consultant?
It’s not legally required — but it’s highly recommended for new builds, big expansions, or tricky objections. They save time and reduce risk.

Final word:
Getting a pokies license right means playing by the rules — before you apply, while you run your venue, and every year you stay in business.