Bookmakers, gaming venues and patrons on notice this spring racing season

Gambling inspectors will be trackside and in gaming venues across Victoria to target high-harm breaches during the Spring Racing Carnival.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has sent a clear warning to bookmakers at both metropolitan and regional race meetings to:

• not accept bets from patrons who are intoxicated, or from minors under 18
• not accept bets placed by adults that they know or suspect are being placed on behalf of minors
• have on hand all required documents, like their ID, a valid registration, and their responsible gambling (RG) code of conduct and have read, understood and complied with their code.

CEO Annette Kimmitt said inspectors will have zero tolerance if deliberate breaches are found and the VGCCC will take the appropriate regulatory and disciplinary action.

“Complying with Victoria’s gambling laws is a bare minimum. This Spring racing season, we want to see industry participants step up to both their legal and social obligations and expect gaming operators to protect the community from gambling harm.

“Now that we have warned bookmakers and Tabcorp we will be watching, we will not shy away from taking strong action including fines and other regulatory action.

“We’re here to help ensure the industry operates with integrity, and is safe and fair.”

The independent regulator will also be monitoring and inspecting gaming venues through the carnival to ensure electronic betting terminals and gaming machines are being supervised.

If anyone observes suspected intoxicated or underage people gambling or placing bets, please make a complaint at www.vgccc.vic.gov.au or on 1300 999 759