Tabcorp has been directed by the Victoria gaming and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) to convert the majority of its electronic betting terminals (EBTs) in the Australian state to a cashless system in response to many instances of underage gaming.
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Around seventy percent of Victoria's 1,800 Tabcorp EBTs will begin accepting vouchers exclusively as of the end of January. Except for EBTs that are five meters away and directly in front of the counter, the rule applies to all of them.
Players need to buy a voucher at the counter in order to use the cashless machines. To verify their age and eligibility to wager on EBTs, individuals will be required to present identification at this point.
To further guarantee that venues are properly checking ID, the ruling also mandates that Tabcorp launch an impartial "mystery shopper" program.
Tabcorp risks a cascade of penalties if it does not adhere to these regulations. Terminating partnerships with venues and switching all EBTs in infringing venues to vouchers for six months are two possible measures.
VGCCC denounces breaches as "inexcusable"
"It is inexcusable to accept a bet from a minor and tougher actions are required to protect the community, especially children from gambling harm," says VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt.
For the purpose of preventing underage gambling, venue employees serve as the initial line of defence. When they disregarded their duties, we wasted no time in taking firm action.
Not only will these stricter identification requirements make it harder for minors to gamble, but they will also aid in the fight against money laundering. In order to minimise injury, the VGCCC will closely watch these precautions; venues should be aware of this and fulfil their responsibility to the community by taking appropriate action.
Tabcorp is being accused of 72 counts of underage gambling.
Eight months ago, the VGCCC filed charges against Tabcorp and nine locations for underage gaming. This order follows those charges. These included failing to adequately oversee EBTs, letting a youngster in a gaming machine area, and gambling.
In December, the court heard the first case. For their part, in 2022, the Preston Hotel was fined AU$25,300 (£13,240/€15,398/US$16,873) by a magistrate for letting a then-16-year-old bet using EBTs.
Tabcorp and the other eight locations are all facing charges related to allegedly letting a kid gamble. From September 2022 through October 2023, there were claimed violations of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003.
In addition to the Olympic Hotel and Brunswick Club, the other eight places mentioned in the complaint are the Parkview Hotel, the Albion Charles Hotel, the Doncaster Hotel, the Rose Shamrock & Thistle Hotel, and Northcote TAB Agency.
All told, Tabcorp is facing 72 accusations. The highest fine that the operators might face if proven guilty is over $1.0 million, with Tabcorp facing a charge of up to $969,236.
On January 24th, the subject will be heard in the Melbourne magistrates court.
Strict punishment for rule-breakers by Victoria
The VGCCC has taken further action to resolve rule breaches in the state with the cashless EBT directive.
Rumotel, the operator of the Tower Hotel in Victoria, is among those facing prosecution. For allegedly violating responsible gambling regulations, Rumotel can be subject to an extra penalties of up to 1.4 million Australian dollars.
According to the VGCCC, Rumotel should have had a responsible gambling officer on staff 24/7 at the casino. Rumotel is also accused of failing to adequately keep a registration for responsible gambling.
Because of this, the operator of the Tower Hotel was hit with three more charges by the VGCCC. In September, the operator was hit with 35 accusations for allegedly breaking gaming control guidelines.
