From 15 April, the operators will be permitted to offer the lottery-like gambling game, both in-person and — for the first time — online to consumers in the Australian state.

Their licences are valid for 20 years, through to 2042, and follow on from Victoria’s Keno Licence Review and subsequent “Invitation to Apply for a Keno Licence” process.

For the past decade, Tabcorp has held an exclusive, retail-only licence, but when the new term commences this spring, it will mark a return to Victoria’s pre-2012 structure of having two, authorised operators, who will now be able to offer online keno for the first time.

These developments, specifically the longer term and online’s inclusion, were welcomed by the incumbent Tabcorp, who said it “will continue to offer Victorian players an attractive keno game underpinned by the pooling of prizes with its other major keno markets.”

Sue van der Merwe, the operator’s Managing Director for Lotteries & Keno, said: “Tabcorp is pleased to continue its partnership with the Victorian Government, with the longer term and expanded channel flexibility offered under this licence.

“The new structure will allow us to continue offering Victorian players a world-class keno product and responsibly grow the game further, backed by our extensive retail and brand presence and the expertise gained from our existing keno online business.”

Lottoland was likewise excited to have been granted a keno licence. Nigel Birrell, Lottoland’s CEO, commented: “We are thrilled to have been granted a keno licence by the Victoria State Government and look forward to launching KenoGo in 2022.

“I would like to personally thank the Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne, and the Victorian State Government for awarding the first dual licence in Australia.”