Probe uncovers failures
The gambling regulator for the Australian state of Victoria has issued multiple operators with a raft of fines totalling nearly AU$500,000 ($318,850) after an investigation discovered underage gambling failures.
landmark probe by the VGCCC
According to media reports Tuesday, a landmark probe by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) resulted in charges against several digital and retail operators for violating state gambling law.
The ‘landmark’ action was, according to the VGCCC, the regulator’s “most comprehensive action to date for underage gambling.”
After over 2,000 hours of investigations, the VGCCC launched 14 prosecutions against ten operators on the back of 98 charges.
Tabcorp leads offenders
Australia’s biggest sports and racing betting operator Tabcorp was the worst offender. The VGCCC hit the sports betting giant with 43 charges and fines of AU$274,000 ($174,728).
Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group was next in line, with the regulator penalizing the firm with over 350 licensed retail outlets AU$175,000 ($111,597) for 23 charges across five of its properties. The remaining 32 charges were leveled at smaller operators, such as gaming establishments and hotels, with the VGCCC fines ranging from AU$2,500 ($1,595) to AU$15,000 ($9,566).
In a news release detailing the “systemic failures by multiple gambling operators to prevent minors from accessing gambling services,” the VGCCC highlighted the case of a boy, 17, with neurodiversity. VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt slammed the harm caused to the unnamed boy’s family while praising the mother for reporting the issue.
“When industry players are not diligent about complying with their legal and social obligations, the consequences for everyday Victorians can be serious and long-lasting.”
Kimmitt gave the plight of the boy and his family as a reason why the VGCCC “is determined to hold operators accountable.”
Consider the kids
The exec said while VGCCC welcomed the outcome of the court cases, “the family’s recovery from this experience is likely to take a lot longer and leave a painful scar.”
operators are responsible
Kimmitt concluded with a warning that operators are responsible for ensuring “minors do not access a designated gambling area, let alone gamble, no matter how determined or convincing a child might be.”