After discovering that a 17-year-old boy had engaged in underage gambling on multiple occasions, the Australian gambling company Tabcorp has been fined $246,000 (AUD 370,417).
Tabcorp, the largest gambling company in Australia, admitted to 43 charges of failing to prevent a minor from gambling at various venues and for inadequate supervision of electronic betting terminals.
The Melbourne Magistrates Court issued the fine after the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) brought charges against the company in May 2023.
The investigation revealed that the underage gambling incidents occurred between May 2022 and October 2023 at different hotels and a bar.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt stated in a press release:
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.
Kimmitt further emphasized Tabcorp’s responsibilities:
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. All stakeholders in the gambling industry must understand the gravity of this issue and take their responsibilities seriously to prevent such harm.
The VGCCC, which has statutory decision-making power under gambling legislation, received enhanced powers and established a dedicated regulatory force on 1 July 2022.
Kimmitt added:
The VGCCC is committed to protecting the community and ensuring that all gambling operations adhere to the highest standards of conduct. We will continue to take decisive action to uphold the safety and wellbeing of our community, particularly when it comes to children.
