All Electronic Betting Machines in Victorian Gaming Venues to Go Cashless or Move Closer to the Counter
In a move to prevent underage gambling, all electronic betting machines in Victorian gaming venues will soon become cashless or be moved closer to the counter. This decision comes after a 16-year-old was found to have been able to gamble at multiple pubs more than 30 times.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has issued a statewide direction that prohibits Tabcorp’s betting terminals in pubs and clubs from accepting cash bets unless they are within five meters of the counter. This directive is part of the commission’s decision to renew Tabcorp’s gaming license for the next 20 years.
About 60 per cent of Tabcorp’s machines for placing bets in venues are outside the required five-metre rule.
Changes to Betting Machines in Victorian Gaming Venues
About 60 per cent of Tabcorp’s betting machines in pubs and clubs are currently located outside the required five-meter rule. As a result, these venues will either transition to cashless bets or move the terminals closer to the counter. In venues that go cashless, punters will need to show identification at the counter and receive a voucher to place a bet.
Tabcorp has held the sole rights to operate retail betting in Victoria for the past 20 years. This responsibility includes overseeing the 1800 electronic betting terminals across the state, with the majority located in pubs and clubs.
Commission’s Response to Underage Gambling
Annette Kimmett, the Chief Executive of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, stated that the new requirements are a direct response to Tabcorp and the pubs’ failure to prevent underage gambling despite multiple warnings. Kimmett emphasized the importance of venue staff in protecting minors from gambling and expressed the need for stronger actions to safeguard the community, especially children.
The commission has also ordered Tabcorp to implement an independent mystery shopper program to ensure venues are properly checking identification. Failure to comply may result in the removal of betting terminals from offending venues.
Charges Against Tabcorp and Pubs
Tabcorp currently faces 72 charges related to allowing a minor to gamble and failing to supervise its terminals adequately. The charges stem from incidents where a teenager, aged 16 at the time, was able to gamble at various Victorian pubs on multiple occasions between September 2022 and November 2023. If convicted, Tabcorp may be fined up to $969,236 for these breaches.
The investigation by the Victorian regulator was initiated following a complaint from a member of the public in May last year. The commission found that the teenager, who recently turned 18, had placed bets as a minor at 13 venues between September 2022 and November 2023.
“Venue staff are the first line of defence in protecting minors from gambling.”
Annette Kimmett, Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Chief Executive
The majority of the charged pubs are owned by ASX-listed pubs giant Endeavour. These venues collectively face a maximum fine of $1 million. Four additional pubs are expected to be charged in the coming months for similar offenses.
A spokesperson for Tabcorp stated that the company will collaborate with the regulator and retail outlets to implement the necessary changes, including allowing cash betting within five meters of the counter and enabling voucher betting for other electronic gaming terminals.
Conclusion
The decision to make electronic betting machines in Victorian gaming venues cashless or move them closer to the counter aims to address the issue of underage gambling. Tabcorp and the pubs involved face charges for allowing a minor to gamble, prompting the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission to take stricter measures to protect the community, especially children. The commission emphasizes the crucial role of venue staff in preventing minors from gambling and has ordered Tabcorp to implement additional measures to ensure proper identification checks. By implementing these changes, the aim is to create a safer gambling environment for all patrons.
About the Author
Amelia McGuire is the aviation, tourism, and gaming reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Connect with her on Twitter or via email at [email protected].
The ASX-listed wagering giant currently faces 72 charges of allowing a minor to gamble and failing to reasonably supervise its terminals after the teenager, then aged 16, gambled at many Victorian pubs over multiple periods in 2022. Tabcorp may also be forced to pay up to $969,236 in fines if convicted of the breaches.
The Victorian regulator began its investigation after a complaint from a member of the public in May last year. So far, the commission found the teenager, who has recently turned 18, was able to place bets as a child at 13 venues between September 2022 and November 2023, when aged 16 and 17.
“Venue staff are the first line of defence in protecting minors from gambling.”
Annette Kimmett, Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Chief Executive
The pubs – the bulk of which are owned by ASX-listed pubs giant Endeavour – face a maximum collective fine of $1 million.
So far, nine venues have been charged with allowing a minor within a gaming machine area and failing to ensure gambling vending machines were reasonably supervised at all times.
The remaining four pubs are expected to be charged in the coming months with similar offences after allegedly allowing the child to gamble on five additional occasions between September and October last year.
A Tabcorp spokesperson said the business would work with the regulator and retail outlets to implement the required changes.
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George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
