Key points:
- Over 2,000 hours of investigations were carried out
- The investigations were first prompted by a mother raising concerns about her son being at risk of gambling harm, owing to his neurodiversity and age
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has taken action against 10 different entities related to underage gambling.
Described as “the regulator's most comprehensive action to date for underage gambling,” the VGCCC has concluded more than 2,000 hours of investigations, resulting in 14 prosecutions against the 10 entities with 98 charges and aggregate fines of AU$499,000 (US$317,598.72) being handed out.
The investigation initially came about owing to a mother of a 17-year-old contacting the regulator due to concerns that her son’s age and neurodiversity put him at high risk of gambling harm.
Good to know: Annette Kimmitt AM will step down from her role as VGCCC CEO next month
Some of the charges against the 10 entities included allowing a minor to gamble and failing to supervise, with Tabcorp Wagering facing the highest number of charges among them with 43 charges and an aggregate fine of AU$274,000.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM said: “Nothing can make up for the harm a Melbourne family experienced as a result of the failure by multiple operators to prevent a young teen from gambling between May 2022 and October 2023.
“When industry is not diligent about complying with its legal and social obligations, the consequences for everyday Victorians can be serious and long-lasting, which is why the VGCCC is determined to hold operators to account.
“We welcome the outcome of these court hearings, which bring to a close all prosecutions involving this family. Unfortunately, the family’s recovery from this experience is likely to take a lot longer and leave a painful scar.”
