The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court ordered Tabcorp to pay AU$370,417 (US$246,353) after the company pleaded guilty to 43 charges. These charges were related to failing to prevent a minor from gambling and inadequate supervision of its electronic betting terminals.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) issued the charges against Tabcorp in May 2023. The case involved a 17-year-old who was found to have gambled on multiple occasions between May 2022 and October 2023 at various venues across Victoria.
These venues included the Albion Charles Hotel, Brunswick Club, Coburg TAB Agency, Cramers Hotel, Doncaster Hotel, Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, Edwardes Lake Hotel, Excelsior Hotel, Northcote TAB Agency, Olympic Hotel, Parkview Hotel, Preston Hotel and Rose Shamrock & Thistle Hotel.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM commented: “The breaches committed by Tabcorp are incredibly serious, reflecting a fundamental failure to protect minors from the risks associated with gambling, as well as a lack of vigilance on their part. These failures undermine the integrity and safety of the industry."
Kimmitt added: “It is their duty to rigorously check IDs and supervise gambling activities to ensure minors are not able to access these services. Their vigilance is crucial in safeguarding young people from the harms of gambling.”
This month, the VGCCC announced an inquiry into the regulation of bingo in Victoria, aiming to modernise the sector and ensure fairness and safety. The inquiry seeks to address issues of fairness, integrity and the potential for gambling harm, particularly among at-risk groups such as seniors, First Nations communities, women and lower-income individuals.
Earlier in the year, the VGCCC also fined BlueBet AU$50,000 for breaching gambling advertising regulations.
