The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has announced that it will ban betting on all under 19 sports competitions.
In a press release the regulator also stated that it would now prohibit any betting on the performance of individual players who are under 18 and take part in either junior or senior sport.
The VGCCC has written letters to all major sports betting operators informing them that
” permitting betting on minors is contrary to the public interest and poses potential integrity and gambling related harm concerns”.
According to the announcement, the order prohibits betting on:
- Sporting events where all participants are minors
- Sporting events for under-19s
- Betting on particular outcomes for players in any sporting event who are under 18 years old.
However, if an under-18 player is playing for a senior team, bets can be placed on the team outcomes of the player’s team.
The VGCCC has said that the ban covers all sports even if the sport involved is not governed by an approved sports controlling body.
Betting providers have been told that they now have 60 days to ensure compliance with the new licensing requirements.
VGCCC chair Fran Thorn said:
“The idea that it is okay to bet on minors just doesn’t stand up. We think minors deserve to be protected. It also raises integrity issues, with the prospect of people attempting to influence how minors might behave playing sport.
If sports controlling bodies and betting providers do not comply with this decision we will take action, which may include revoking our approval of sports controlling bodies and prosecuting betting providers.
It will, therefore, be prohibited to offer bets on an outcome such as ‘first goal of the game’, ‘most disposals’ or ‘first player to take a wicket’, where the outcome relates to an individual player that is a minor. For the avoidance of doubt, bets will still be able to be offered on the open team performance.”
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.
