The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) imposed a $374,000 fine on Tabcorp, Australia’s largest gambling company, over underage gambling violations involving a minor gaining access to gambling on over 30 different occasions between 2022 and 2023.
As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, the gambling giant that holds exclusive rights to retail betting in Victoria and is responsible for 1,800 betting terminals across the state, could be subjected to the maximum penalty of $700,000. However, the company was required to pay less than half of the maximum penalty, with $274,000 in fines and $100,000 in costs, totaling $374,000.
The regulator launched its investigation into the case after receiving a notification from a member of the public in May 2023. Among the findings of the commission are 13 venues that allowed access to gambling services to the teenager between 2022 and 2023.
The gambling company accepted responsibility for 43 offenses in Melbourne magistrates court and conceded to accusations it had failed to prevent the teen from gambling and had not monitored adequately its electronic betting terminals.
VGCCC and Tabcorp Comment on the Case
Annette Kimmitt, CEO of the VGCCC has commented on the company’s violations. As she stated, “These failures undermine the integrity and safety of the industry.” She added that it was part of the company’s obligations to ensure rigorous checks of IDs and that minors do not have access to its services.
Tabcorp also commented on the case, further stating its commitment to ensuring minors have no longer access to its services. As the company’s spokesperson commented, “Tabcorp accepts the decision of the Melbourne Magistrates Court and notes the magistrate’s comments that Tabcorp has taken ‘considerable remedial steps to deter minors from gambling at its venues.’”
The company pledged its readiness to continue its collaboration with the regulator and assist in keeping society safe.
In January of the current year, the Victorian gambling authority issued a statewide direction, preventing Tabcorp from accepting cash bets unless they are within 5 meters of the counter. This direction was part of the regulator’s decision to extend the company’s license.
The majority of Tabcorp’s betting terminals do not comply with this regulation, which would either restrict the venues to taking cashless bets only or necessitate reorganization of the betting equipment.
The renewal of the license, which the Commission confirmed in December 2023, meant Tabcorp would continue to have exclusive rights to retail betting in Victoria over the next 20 years. As per the agreement, the company is supposed to make an upfront payment of $600 million this June, plus annual fixed payments amounting to $30 million from 2025 to 2043. As per information from the VGCCC, the new license will come into effect as of August 2024.
- Author
Daniel Williams
