VGCCC Reports 88 Disciplinary Actions Over 1,600 Audits

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has released its impactful 2023-24 report.
With 88 disciplinary actions, over 1,600 audits, and 2,770 inspections, the VGCCC is raising the bar for gambling regulation.
From hefty fines to transformative reforms, the VGCCC’s efforts aim to ensure a safer and more accountable gambling industry.
Discover the commission’s key actions, their implications, and what’s next for Victoria’s gambling landscape.

VGCCC Tightens Oversight with 88 Disciplinary Actions and Over 2,700 Inspections in 2023-24

Key Points

1. The VGCCC issued 88 disciplinary actions, including fines against Tabcorp and ALH for compliance failures.
2. Over 1,600 audits and 2,770 inspections uncovered 517 breaches, leading to 10 successful prosecutions.
3. Collaborations with sports bodies resulted in tighter betting controls, including a ban on under-19 sports betting.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has unveiled its 2023-24 report, highlighting its extensive efforts to regulate the gambling sector in Victoria. With 88 disciplinary actions, over 1,600 audits, and 2,770 inspections, the VGCCC has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining compliance and mitigating harm within the gambling industry.

Disciplinary Actions: High-Profile Cases

Among the VGCCC’s actions, fines against Tabcorp and Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) stood out.

• Tabcorp faced penalties for repeatedly failing to comply with regulatory directions during an investigation into a major system outage.
• ALH was fined AU$480,000 for operating poker machines outside of trading hours and violating mandatory shutdown periods.

VGCCC Chair Fran Thorn emphasized the importance of holding operators accountable:

“We have no tolerance for deliberate contraventions of the law and will take action when breaches occur.”

Audits, Inspections, and Breaches

The VGCCC conducted 1,633 audits and 2,770 venue inspections, uncovering 517 gambling breaches. The agency also pursued 10 successful prosecutions, showcasing its rigorous enforcement capabilities.

Thorn highlighted the success of the VGCCC’s new anonymous tip-off system, which received over 260 reports in its first year. These tips covered a range of issues, further bolstering the commission’s investigative efforts.

Betting Controls and Community Engagement

In addition to its enforcement actions, the VGCCC worked with sports organizations to address concerns around betting integrity.

• Collaborations with the AFL resulted in tighter controls on Brownlow Medal voting and betting.
• The commission successfully banned betting on under-19 sports competitions and the performance of athletes under 18, responding to community concerns.

These measures highlight the VGCCC’s proactive approach to reducing risks in both gambling and sports betting.

Crown Melbourne’s Reform Journey

One of the most significant developments in 2023-24 was the VGCCC’s oversight of Crown Melbourne. Following findings from the 2021 Royal Commission, Crown faced allegations of tax avoidance, money laundering, and harm to vulnerable groups.

In March 2024, the VGCCC allowed Crown to continue operations after the company demonstrated significant progress on its transformation plan. The commission continues to monitor Crown’s reforms to ensure lasting improvements.

Looking Ahead: A Safer Gambling Landscape

The VGCCC’s efforts reflect its broader mission to create a safer, more accountable gambling industry in Victoria. From hefty fines to policy reforms, the commission is addressing both immediate compliance issues and long-term systemic challenges.

As Thorn stated, “The VGCCC’s approach is proportionate to the risks posed and the harms caused when operators fail to comply.”

The VGCCC’s 2023-24 report underscores its unwavering commitment to upholding gambling standards in Victoria. By issuing 88 disciplinary actions, conducting extensive audits and inspections, and collaborating with stakeholders, the commission is setting a strong precedent for accountability.

However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring sustained reforms and addressing emerging risks in sports betting and online gambling. With its proactive strategies and robust oversight, the VGCCC is poised to lead Victoria’s gambling sector toward a safer and more responsible future.

The message is clear: compliance is non-negotiable, and the VGCCC is here to enforce it.