What Pokies Are Open Good Friday

Good Friday Pokies Regulations

Learn about the different regulations affecting pokies operations across Australian states on Good Friday. Discover how major venues like Crown Perth and Crown Melbourne adhere to these rules, and find out what players need to know to plan their visits effectively.

Victoria's complete prohibition on pokies operation on Good FridayFines imposed for non-compliance with regulationsPlanning visits around Good Friday pokies restrictionsCrown Perth's and Crown Melbourne's adherence to rulesUnderstanding venue-specific Good Friday policies

Good Friday presents significant restrictions on poker machine operations across Australia, with regulations varying by state. Understanding these rules is essential for players planning to visit venues during this important public holiday.

Victoria's Strict Good Friday Pokies Policy

Victoria enforces strict regulations on poker machine operations during Good Friday. Gaming machines are completely prohibited from operating on Good Friday, with poker machines restricted to venue liquor licence hours that include additional limitations on this day.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has made compliance with these restrictions a priority. In 2024, the VGCCC demonstrated its commitment by fining 14 venue operators a total of AU $195,000 for violating trading hour regulations on Good Friday and ANZAC Day, with an additional four operators receiving censure warnings.

High-Profile Violations and Penalties

The Melbourne Racing Club received the highest fine of AU $60,000 in 2024 for allowing poker machine use before noon on Good Friday at three venues: Steeples, The Coach and Horses, and Peninsula Club. Similarly, Hoppers Crossing Club Limited faced an AU $30,000 fine for breaching Good Friday restrictions, during which poker machine turnover reached AU $22,234.

Factors Influencing Penalties

When determining penalties for violations, the VGCCC considers three primary factors:

Duration of gambling outside permitted hours
Revenue generated during the breach
The venue's compliance history

Daily Operational Requirements

Beginning in August 2024, Victorian venues must close poker machine areas daily between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m., a regulation that applies every day including Good Friday. Additionally, all poker machines must be equipped with the YourPlay pre-commitment system for harm minimization purposes.

Industry Perspective on Good Friday Pokies Regulations

Good Friday regulations impact both the industry and players by limiting pokies operations across the country. These rules ensure a reflective break, as intended by the public holiday's nature.

Ensuring compliance is paramount, demonstrated by VGCCC's penalties on non-compliant venues. It's vital for venues and players to be aware of these rules to avoid potential fines and plan their gaming activities effectively.

State-by-state regulation insights
VGCCC's role in enforcement and compliance
Impact on major casinos and local venues
Players' need to stay informed about current regulations

South Australia's Complete Closure

South Australia maintains the most restrictive approach: gaming machines cannot be operated in any gaming venue on Good Friday. This represents a complete prohibition rather than restricted trading hours, with no exceptions for licensed venues.

Queensland's Casino-Specific Rules

Queensland distinguishes between different venue types on Good Friday. While gambling is not permitted at hotels and clubs on Good Friday, casinos operate under different rules: gambling must stop between 3 a.m. on Good Friday morning and midnight on Good Friday night. Gaming machines at hotels and clubs must cease at midnight on Good Friday Eve (Thursday) and cannot resume until 10 a.m. on Easter Saturday.

Planning Your Good Friday Visit

Players should take the following steps before planning a casino or venue visit on Good Friday:

Check venue-specific regulations – Contact your local pub or club directly, as individual venues may have additional restrictions beyond state requirements.
Verify current guidelines – Regulations can change, and the VGCCC regularly updates compliance requirements.
Plan alternative dates – Consider visiting on Easter Saturday or the days surrounding the holiday when normal operating hours typically resume.
Understand your state's rules – Your location determines whether venues operate with restrictions or remain completely closed.

The VGCCC's CEO Suzy Neilan emphasized: "With Good Friday almost upon us, I strongly advise venues to ensure they know, understand and comply with the obligations of their licence and only operate their poker machines during permitted hours." This guidance applies equally to players who should verify operating status before traveling to any venue on this public holiday.

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