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The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has charged Tabcorp and the Preston Hotel for allowing a minor to gamble as investigations continue into other venues.
It’s alleged venue staff allowed a 16-year-old to access electronic betting terminals to place bets at the Preston Hotel and gamble on 6 occasions in May and September 2022.
The VGCCC launched its investigation after receiving a complaint about the minor being allowed to gamble.
The Preston Hotel will face 15 charges, with 6 counts each of allowing a minor to gamble and failing to reasonably supervise its electronic betting terminals, as well as 3 charges of allowing a minor to enter a gaming machine area. These charges could attract a maximum fine of 1,200 penalty units, which equates to $221,904.
As the holder of the statewide Wagering and Betting licence, Tabcorp will face 8 charges, with 4 counts of both allowing a minor to gamble and failing to reasonably supervise a gambling vending machine. Charges could attract a maximum fine of 560 penalty units, which equates to $103,505.
Investigations are ongoing into additional venues and may result in further charges.
VGCCC Gambling Director Glorija Kuzman said:
“It is deeply concerning that a minor was able to access betting terminals and gamble on multiple occasions.
“All gambling operators – including venues and the holder of the statewide Wagering and Betting licence – have an irrefutable legal requirement to do everything they can to stop children from gambling.
“One of the most serious harms is minors gambling. All gaming venues must ensure they do not accept a bet from a minor and ask for identification from anyone they suspect could be underage.
“While electronic betting terminals are legal gambling products, they should not be easy for minors to access and use. Venue operators and Tabcorp are responsible for ensuring they are appropriately supervised at all times.”
If you are concerned a minor has been or is being allowed to gamble, please contact the VGCCC on 1300 599 759.
As the VGCCC investigation is ongoing and these charges are now before the courts, no further comment will be made.
Background
An electronic betting terminal is a self-service touchscreen betting terminal that allows people to place bets.
