Annual Report highlights VGCCC achievements in 2020-21

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) Annual Report 2020-21 is now available.

The report highlights our achievements over a year that once again presented significant challenges for our staff and the gambling and liquor industries we regulate.

The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continued to impact our operations but we played an active role in supporting gambling and liquor venues to open safely and within the rules.

In February, we established our Public Health Enforcement Team (PHET) to inspect premises and ensure compliance with restrictions aimed at addressing the public health risks of COVID-19. The team also investigated complaints about alleged breaches and took action in response.

We also played an important role in keeping gambling and liquor licensees informed about changes to restrictions, with regular updates on our website.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the report demonstrates the strong enforcement action we took during the year to meet our objective of minimising harm.

Significant enforcement measures included the prosecution of Tabcorp and two Melbourne hotels for allowing a minor to gamble $2,600 on electronic betting terminals on multiple occasions following a complaint. Tabcorp was fined $23,000 and the hotels were fined a total of $19,000, demonstrating the VGCCC will take action to achieve high rates of compliance with the laws we administer, particularly in areas with a significant risk of harm.

We also assisted the Victorian and New South Wales Royal Commissions into Crown and undertook several compliance measures against the casino operator. The Victorian Royal Commission also published our Crown China Investigation Report as it was submitted as part of evidence.

Enforcement action included fining Crown the maximum $1 million for its operation of junkets and prohibiting it from running such activities without our approval.

VGCCC is now looking to the future as we work with the State Government to implement the new Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission and the transfer of responsibility for liquor regulation to the Department of Justice and Community Safety.

The full annual report can be found below: