Key points:
- VicBet fined AU$130,000 for two separate breaches of customer protection obligations
- Violations included marketing to self-excluded customers and offering inducements to maintain closed accounts
VicBet has been fined AU$130,000 (US$80,000) by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) for two breaches of its customer care obligations.
The VGCCC's investigation revealed that VicBet violated its legal and social responsibilities in two separate incidents.
In the first case, VicBet offered a customer an AU$1,800 bonus bet after the individual requested the closure of their betting account in September 2022. This resulted in an AU$50,000 fine.
The second breach involved VicBet sending promotional materials to a customer who had self-excluded from the platform in March 2020, leading to an AU$80,000 penalty.
Commenting on these breaches, VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt stated: “Breaches can have serious consequences, not only in terms of punitive actions against the companies we catch out, but for people whose lives are affected by this behaviour.
Good to know: The VGCCC noted that it is illegal for bookmakers to offer incentives to keep accounts open after a closure request or to send promotional material to self-excluded individuals, with these actions contravening the Victorian Bookmakers’ Association Code of Conduct
“It is an egregious betrayal of trust, for example, to continue to send marketing materials to a person who has self-excluded from a gambling venue or closed a betting account.”
Despite VicBet being given the opportunity to provide a justification for their actions, the VGCCC concluded that disciplinary measures were necessary.
This enforcement action comes during Kimmitt's final months as VGCCC CEO, following her announced resignation effective March 2025.
