The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to rigorous gambling oversight, as highlighted in its 2023–24 annual report tabled in Victoria’s Parliament. Over the year, the VGCCC took 88 disciplinary actions against licensees and employees, carried out 1,600 audits, and completed 2,770 venue inspections across the state.
“Our regulatory response is proportionate to the risks posed and harms caused when a gambling operator fails to comply with its obligations,” said VGCCC Chair Fran Thorn. “We have no tolerance for deliberate or opportunistic contraventions of the law and will not hesitate to take appropriate action when we detect a breach.”
The VGCCC said it also prosecuted 10 cases successfully, marking a shift toward a risk-based, intelligence-led regulatory approach. High-profile penalties included a AUD1 million (€614,830) fine for Tabcorp and a AUD480,000 (€295,118) fine for the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) for non-compliance.
Public engagement and targeted actions
The VGCCC’s tip-off platform received more than 260 reports in its first year, enabling the agency to investigate issues ranging from illegal advertising to underage gambling. A public complaint led to the prosecution of Bluebet Pty Ltd, which was fined AUD50,000 (€30,741) for illegally displaying gambling advertisements.
Additionally, VGCCC introduced measures to prevent betting on under-19 sports and individual performances by minors. This followed community concerns about the exploitation of young athletes and integrity risks in junior sports.
Crown Melbourne’s casino licence renewal
In March 2024, Crown Melbourne regained its casino licence after two years of government-appointed supervision. However, strict operating conditions remain in place under a three-year Transformation Plan to ensure continued reforms.
“We have a responsibility to ensure gambling activities in Victoria are conducted in compliance with regulatory obligations and providers operate safely, fairly, and with integrity,” Thorn emphasised.
Just this week, the Victorian government has unveiled Australia’s toughest poker machine regulations, reducing the maximum cash load limit from AUD1,000 (€619) to AUD100 (€62). The reforms aim to mitigate gambling harm while enhancing anti-money laundering protections. Key changes include the mandatory implementation of “carded play,” requiring players to use a designated player card to operate gaming machines.
The carded play system enables gamblers to set personal loss limits, with a default precommitment of AUD50 (€31) that can be adjusted by users. It also offers real-time insights into gambling activity, encouraging responsible gaming practices.
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