Request for Expressions of Interest in the Grant of a Wagering and Betting Licence under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic)

⁠⁠⁠The Department publishes this Request calling for expressions of interest (EOI) from persons who wish to be considered to be invited to apply for the grant of a New Wagering and Betting Licence in Victoria.

This Request is not an offer. It is an invitation for Eligible Respondents to express an interest in, and demonstrate their suitability for, the grant of a New Wagering and Betting Licence in Victoria.

This Request also provides Respondents with the opportunity to respond to a number of potential changes to key terms for a New Wagering and Betting Licence being considered by the Department, in particular the number of New Wagering and Betting Licences issued and the term of a New Wagering and Betting Licence.

The publication of this Request commences the EOI Process, which has been endorsed by the Minister, during which Respondents will be considered by the Department to determine which Eligible Respondents (if any) will be invited to apply for a New Wagering and Betting Licence.

The EOI Process is separate from the Invitation & Award Process set out in the Act. Following the EOI Process, the Minister may commence the Invitation & Award Process, which will likely be comprised of two stages:

1. the Invitation to Apply (ITA) stage, during which the Minister may, by written notice, invite one or more Selected Respondents identified through this EOI Process to apply for a New Wagering and Betting Licence; and

2. the licence award stage, during which the Minister may award a New Wagering and Betting Licence to the successful Applicant(s), if any.

The Minister is under no obligation to commence the Invitation & Award Process, invite a Respondent to apply for a New Wagering and Betting Licence nor issue a New Wagering and Betting Licence at the end of the Invitation & Award Process. This Request specifies, and provides Respondents with information about, the:

• process for issuing a New Wagering and Betting Licence;

• terms and conditions that will apply to all Respondents during the EOI Process;

• matters that the Department considers relevant to an EOI;

• potential changes to the key terms of a New Wagering and Betting Licence being considered by the Department; and

• information, material and responses that a Respondent is required to provide in its EOI.