Victoria Gambling Watchdog Mandates Cashless Betting Terminals

Cashless Betting: Victoria’s Bold Move to Safeguard Responsible Gaming

In a groundbreaking move, the Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has directed Tabcorp to convert most of its electronic betting terminals (EBTs) in Victoria to a cashless system. This decisive action follows several incidents of underage gambling, spotlighting the necessity for stricter regulatory measures in the gaming industry. Set to roll out by late January, this change will affect approximately 70% of the 1,800 Tabcorp EBTs across Victoria, signaling a major shift towards responsible gambling.

Enhanced Age Verification for Safer Gaming

The transition to cashless terminals is part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent underage gambling. Gamers wishing to use these terminals will need to purchase a voucher at the counter, where they will undergo ID checks. This process reinforces age verification, ensuring only legally-aged individuals can gamble. This added layer of scrutiny is vital in protecting minors and upholding the integrity of the gaming sector.

Ensuring ID Checks Are Enforced

Tabcorp is also mandated to implement an independent “mystery shopper” programme, aimed at verifying that venues are conducting proper ID checks. This proactive measure seeks to ensure that all gaming venues adhere to the new standards, fostering a culture of compliance and responsibility within the industry.

Escalating Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with these requirements could trigger a series of escalating penalties for Tabcorp. These include switching all EBTs in non-compliant venues to vouchers for six months and potentially terminating agreements with those venues. This strict enforcement policy underlines the VGCCC’s commitment to safeguarding the community from gambling-related harm.

Zero Tolerance for Underage Gambling

VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt has criticized the lapses in preventing minors from gambling as “inexcusable.” The commission’s rigorous approach not only aims to curb underage gambling but also addresses concerns like money laundering. This reflects the VGCCC’s dedication to reducing gambling harm and enforcing a high standard of care within the community.

Legal Consequences for Regulatory Failures

The VGCCC has filed charges against Tabcorp and nine other venues for multiple underage gambling violations over the past year. These charges, totaling 72 against Tabcorp alone, stem from alleged breaches between September 2022 and October 2023. This includes instances of allowing minors to gamble and failing to properly supervise EBTs. The severity of these charges underscores the necessity for strict regulatory adherence and showcases the VGCCC’s active role in penalizing non-compliant operators.