One hundred Victorian gamblers will participate in the trial, with venues at Abbotsford, Altona, Bendigo, Brunswick, Caulfield South, Dandenong, Hampton, Footscray, Geelong, and Newport.

Under the scheme, people can sign up for a swipe card that will allow them to set their own limits, set reminders and track how much time and money they are spending on gaming machines.

The voluntary system gives players a warning message once their time or money has reached its pre-determined limit. Players can access their own information and set limits at a venue or online using their phone, computer or tablet.

The scheme will be rolled out to all gaming venues in December. 

Borough Club operations manager Karen Lyons said the venue was happy to participate.

“The justice department approached us in regards to getting on board because they were looking for a smaller venue to trial the pre-commitment scheme,” she said.

“We were more than happy to be in it; all our staff are trained in responsible service of alcohol and responsible gaming. It’s part of what we do to look after our customers.”

Ms Lyons said she believed the scheme would help problem gamblers to cut back on their losses.

“I think it will make a difference for the people who need it,” she said.

“It’s an avenue that’s not available to them at the moment.

“Gaming when it becomes a problem isn’t entertaining anymore. This will help people who do want to enjoy it but also have that feedback.”

The Borough Club’s 40 poker machines brought in $3,120,119.83 in the 2013/2014 financial year. Punters at venue’s sister operation, Bendigo Stadium, lost $6,926,896.15 on the stadium’s 105 gaming machines in the same period. 

Bendigo Stadium manager Jason Wallace said participating in the trial helped the outfit continue to meet best practice for the responsible service of gambling.

City of Greater Bendigo gaming venues raked in $43,902,699.74 from electronic gaming machines in first 11 months of the 2014/2015 financial year. Figures for June 2015 are not yet available. 

Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Jane Garrett said the scheme was an “Australian first”.

“We’re encouraging Victorians to gamble responsibly and stay healthy,” she said. 

“For the first time people will be able to walk into a gaming venue anywhere in the state and control how much time and money they want to spend.”

The Gillard government's attempt to introduce mandatory pre-commitment was defeated after meeting resistance from the clubs lobby.