Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) said Monday it had filed 98 charges and achieved 14 prosecutions against 10 companies for the illegal provision of gambling to minors – part of what it described as its “most comprehensive action to date for underage gambling”.
In a statement, the VGCCC said it had issued fines totalling AU$499,000 (US$316,000) following 2,000 hours of investigation sparked by a report by the mother of a 17-year-old she believed was at high risk of gambling harm due to them being neurodivergent.
“Nothing can make up for the harm a Melbourne family experienced as a result of the failure by multiple operators to prevent a young teen from gambling between May 2022 and October 2023,” said VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt in reference to the incident.
“I can only imagine how difficult it was for the mother to come to us and I commend her for doing so. I hope the outcomes and conclusion of these proceedings bring her some comfort, following the significant trauma she and her family have gone through.
“When industry is not diligent about complying with its legal and social obligations, the consequences for everyday Victorians can be serious and long lasting, which is why the VGCCC is determined to hold operators to account.”
The case was heard before the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria on 13 February where Correct Bet Pty Ltd – operator of the Coburg TAB outlet – pleaded guilty to two charges and was fined AU$3,000 without conviction and ordered to pay VGCCC costs of $5,500.
Of the 14 prosecutions for allowing underage gambling listed by the VGCCC, the largest AU$274,000 fine was issued to Tabcorp, while the Australian Leisure & Hospitality Group was hit with an AU$175,000 fine.
“It is a venue’s responsibility to ensure minors do not access a designated gambling area, let alone gamble, no matter how determined or convincing a child might be,” Kimmitt said.
“We welcome the outcome of these court hearings, which bring to a close all prosecutions involving this family. Unfortunately, the family’s recovery from this experience is likely to take a lot longer and leave a painful scar.”
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