MintBet is facing scrutiny for committing multiple breaches of its own responsible gambling code of conduct. According to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), the online bookmaker failed to exercise due diligence and intervene when a client exhibited signs of problem gambling. MintBet was, therefore, handed a fine of AU$100,000.
The bettor in question wagered for 35 hours in just over two days and placed a total of 327 bets. This resulted in them suffering a substantial loss of AU$31,149. According to MintBet’s responsible gambling code of conduct, the sportsbook should have prevented the user from placing further bets once it was clear that their wagering could be tied to problem gambling. Instead, the bettor themselves eventually informed MintBet that they were struggling with gambling harm, upon which their account was closed.
The VGCCC also argued that MintBet’s responsible gambling systems were “inadequate,” and it has ordered the sportsbook to make a response on how it can improve the said systems and processes.
Scott May, Deputy CEO of the VGCCC, deemed this ruling to be “a wake-up call” for gambling companies that target a Victorian audience. He stressed that compliance with the responsible gambling codes of conduct that companies are meant to follow is mandatory and that their role is to ensure the safety of bettors. Mr May continued, claiming that “providers must monitor” for any indication that a user is suffering from problem gambling, with lengthy gambling sessions being among the potential indicative factors.
He concluded his statement by warning that there are major repercussions for gambling providers who do not adhere to the rules outlined in their respective responsible gambling codes of conduct and that the VGCCC “will not tolerate” such violations.
Land-Based Operators Are Not Immune to Regulatory Action Either
Although MintBet’s situation concerns online wagering in particular, it should be noted that the VGCCC is just as strict when similar issues are uncovered when it comes to brick-and-mortar gambling venues. A major example is the Tower Hotel. Last September, the VGCCC issued 35 charges against the hotel’s operator, Rumotel Pty Ltd, for not implementing the YourPlay pre-commitment technology and not mandating that staff complete responsible gaming training.
A further three charges were issued the following month, and the said alleged transgressions were tied to Tower Hotel’s responsible gambling code of conduct, specifically how a responsible gambling officer had not been present in the hotel’s gaming venue at all times. Moreover, Tower Hotel had not ensured that a responsible gambling register was being maintained as required. The 38 charges could lead to a total fine of over AU$2 million.
In addition, in December 2023, two establishments were charged for permitting minors to gamble within their premises. In the case of the Altona RSL club, a 16-year-old had managed to play for a total of 10 minutes before being caught, which warranted an over AU$8,100 fine for the club. A few days before the VGCCC announced its verdict regarding the Altona RSL’s wrongdoing, Preston Hotel also faced consequences for a similar violation of Victorian laws. The resulting fine was higher, standing at AU$25,300, as a minor had wagered in the hotel on six occasions.
- Author
Daniel Williams
