The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined bookmaker MintBet AU$100,00 for repeated breaches of the Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct.
According to the announcement, the VGCCC found that MintBet allowed a customer to gamble for prolonged periods through their online account. This included 35 hours of gambling across a 50-hour period resulting in losses of AU$31,149 across 327 bets.
Under its licensing conditions, MintBet is obliged to stop accepting bets from customers who display signs of problem gambling. In this instance, the VGCCC found that the operator failed in its responsibility to the customer.
MintBet only took action to close the customer’s account when the customer themselves indicated that they were suffering from the effects of problem gambling.
The VGCCC noted that MintBet’s systems for identifying customers showing indicators of problem gambling were insufficient and warned the company to improve its internal protocols. MintBet must inform the commission of any changes it makes as soon as possible.
VGCCC Deputy CEO Scott May said:
“Victorian gambling providers must comply with their responsible gambling codes of conduct. They exist to protect people from gambling harm. Even if accepting bets online, providers must monitor for and intervene when customers are displaying indicators of distress. Gambling for an extended period is a key indicator of distress that may indicate problem gambling. There are serious consequences for any gambling provider that fails to comply with their own responsible gambling code of conduct. We won’t tolerate it”.
This brings the total gambling industry fines for 2024 to $37,926,595 / €35,223,897.
Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.