By BBBB
The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has ordered Tabcorp to pay a AU$370,417 fine in relation to 43 charges brought against the company by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).
According to an announcement released by the VGCCC, the charges were a result of an investigation that revealed that Tabcorp had failed to supervise its electronic betting terminals. This allowed a 17 year old minor to access the machines and place wagers on multiple occasions from May 2022 to October 2023.
The best were placed at various locations with Tabcorp betting machines. The investigation listed the locations as:
- Albion Charles Hotel
- Brunswick Club
- Coburg TAB Agency
- Cramers Hotel
- Doncaster Hotel
- Duke of Edinburgh Hotel
- Edwardes Lake Hotel
- Excelsior Hotel
- Northcote TAB Agency
- Olympic Hotel
- Parkview Hotel
- Preston Hotel
- Rose Shamrock & Thistle Hotel
The company pled guilty to all charges.
Speaking of the fine, VGCCC CEO, Annette Kimmitt AM said:
“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. These failures undermine the integrity and safety of the industry.
Gambling providers and their staff are on the frontline of our efforts to prevent underage gambling. 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.
It is imperative that all stakeholders in the gambling industry understand the gravity of this issue and take their responsibilities seriously to prevent such harm.
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 in upholding the safety and wellbeing of our community, particularly when it comes to children.”
Latest in a String of Charges for Tabcorp
Tabcorp also faces more charges in relation to minors gambling. In September 2023, the VGCCC announced that it had brought 57 charges against the company, 27 of which involved children gambling on pokie machines.
Minors were found to have accessed machines at eight venues between September 8th and November 1st 2022.
Prior to this, the VGCCC fined Tabcorp Wagering AU$1 million ($639,231 million/€597,274 million) for non-compliance with commission directions.
The fine related to Tabcorp’s betting system being unavailable for use for around 36 hours during the 2020 Spring Racing Carnival.
English