Tabcorp fined $270,000 over child gambling in 13 venues
Tabcorp has been ordered to pay more than $370,000 after admitting it failed to stop a child from gambling across multiple Victorian venues.
The company pleaded guilty to 43 charges in Melbourne magistrates court after first being charged by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission in May 2023.
The commission had found a 17year-old gambled multiple times between May 2022 and October 2023 at 13 Tabcorp sites.
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The company admitted failing to prevent a minor from gambling and not properly supervising its electronic betting terminals.
A magistrate on Thursday fined the company $274,000 without conviction and ordered it to pay costs, bringing the total sanctions to $370,417.
The maximum fine available to the magistrate was close to $700,000.
A Tabcorp spokesperson noted the magistrate recognised the considerable remedial steps the company had taken to deter minors from gambling at its venues.
“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,” the statement to AAP read.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with the VGCCC to support the important work they do to keep the community safe.”
The commission’s chief executive, Annette Kimmitt, said Tabcorp committed incredibly serious breaches.
“These failures undermine the integrity and safety of the industry,” she said in a statement.
“Gambling providers and their staff are on the frontline of our efforts to prevent underage gambling.
“It is their duty to rigorously check IDs and supervise gambling activities to ensure minors are not able to access these services.”