The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has announced that it has filed charges against both Tabcorp and the Preston Hotel for allowing a minor to gamble on several occasions.
According to the VGCCC statement, staff at the hotel allowed a 16 year-old to gamble on electronic betting terminals on six separate occasions during the months of May and September in 2022.
The investigation was carried out following a report by a member of the public that the hotel was allowing minors to gamble on pokie machines.
The Preston Hotel has been charged with 15 breaches of its licensing conditions, six of which are counts of allowing a minor to gamble on its properties. Other charges include failing to supervise betting terminals and allowing an underage patron to access the area reserved for gaming machines. The maximum fine for these offences could reach AU$221,904 (€136,469).
Tabcorp, who is the state license holder for betting and wagering in retail outlets, has been charged with eight breaches, four of which are for allowing a minor to gamble on its machines. Tabcorp’s maximum fine could reach AU$103,505 (€63,654).
Speaking of the charges, VGCCC Gambling Director Glorija Kuzman said:
“It is deeply concerning that a minor was able to access betting terminals and gamble on multiple occasions. All gambling operators – including venues and the holder of the statewide Wagering and Betting licence – have an irrefutable legal requirement to do everything they can to stop children from gambling.
One of the most serious harms is minors gambling. All gaming venues must ensure they do not accept a bet from a minor and ask for identification from anyone they suspect could be underage.
While electronic betting terminals are legal gambling products, they should not be easy for minors to access and use. Venue operators and Tabcorp are responsible for ensuring they are appropriately supervised at all times.”
Further investigations of other venues will now take place while the charges brought against both operators are now before the courts with the actual amount of the fines to be determined at a court hearing.
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.