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Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has reminded gambling operators that it is their “irrefutable” legal obligation to prevent underage gaming after Tabcorp and a venue were both charged for allowing a child to gamble.
The regulator stated that investigations were continuing in other gambling venues. They also asked anyone with concerns regarding a minor’s ability to gamble, to call them at 1300 599 759.
The charges claim that the venue staff allowed a 16 year old to gamble and place bets on six separate occasions between May 2022 and September 2022. VGCCC began its investigation after it received a complaint regarding the minor gambling.
The Preston Hotel now faces 15 charges as a result. Six counts of allowing minors to gamble, six charges of failing to supervise their electronic betting terminals and three charges of allowing minors to enter the gaming machine area. The maximum fine for these charges is 1200 penalty units which equals $221,904.
Tabcorp, as the owner of the Wagering and Betting license for the entire state, will also face eight charges. Four of these are both of allowing minors to gamble and of failing to supervise a gambling machine reasonably. The maximum penalty for the charges could be 560 penalty units or $103,505.
Glorija Kuzman, the gambling director at VGCCC, said that it was “deeply concerning” that a minor had been able to gamble multiple times and access betting machines.
All gambling operators, including the venues and holders of the state-wide Wagering and Betting license, have an irrefutable obligation to stop children gambling.
Minors gambling is one of the biggest harms. All gaming venues should ensure that they don’t accept bets from minors and require identification from anyone who they suspect may be underage.
While electronic betting terminals may be legal gambling products they shouldn’t be easily accessible or used by minors. Venue operators and Tabcorp must ensure that they are properly supervised at any time.
VGCCC said that it is also continuing its investigation into other venues, and this could lead to further charges.
