Tabcorp cops A$370,000 fine for allowing a minor to bet in Victoria
ASX-listed firm handed six-figure penalty after court rules a 17-year-old was allowed to gamble multiple times across various venues
Tabcorp has been ordered to pay A$370,417 (£192,522) after pleading guilty to 43 charges relating to allowing minors to gamble in the Australian state of Victoria.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) brought the charges against the ASX-listed firm after it was alleged Tabcorp had failed to prevent a minor from betting at multiple venues.
A 17-year-old was found to have gambled on numerous occasions on electronic betting terminals between May 2022 and October 2023.
According to the VGCCC, the minor was able to bet at 13 locations in the state during the period, including at hotels and TAB agencies.
As a result, Melbourne Magistrates’ Court accepted the guilty plea from the firm.
Tabcorp’s charges were surmised as “failing to prevent a minor from gambling across multiple venues in Victoria and for failing to properly supervise its electronic betting terminals”.
The maximum fine could have landed just shy of A$700,000 in relation to Tabcorp’s breaches.
In a statement provided to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), a Tabcorp spokesperson said: “Investing in and continuing to evolve our safer gambling measures, including preventing minors from gambling, is an absolute priority for the board and executive team.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with the VGCCC to support the important work they do to keep the community safe.”
Annette Kimmitt, VGCCC CEO, noted Tabcorp’s shortcomings had undermined the “integrity and safety of the industry”.
She said: “The breaches committed by Tabcorp are incredibly serious, reflecting a fundamental failure to protect minors from the risks associated with gambling, as well as a lack of vigilance on their part.
“It is imperative that all stakeholders in the gambling industry understand the gravity of this issue and take their responsibilities seriously to prevent such harm.
“The VGCCC is committed to protecting the community and ensuring that all gambling operations adhere to the highest standards of conduct.
“We will continue to take decisive action in upholding the safety and wellbeing of our community, particularly when it comes to children,” Kimmitt added.
Tabcorp remains on the hunt for a new CEO after Adam Rytenskild left the business in March over allegations of “inappropriate and offensive language”.