VGGCC to start an Investigation

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In 2023–24, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission initiated 88 disciplinary measures against gambling licensees and employees, enforced a strict no-tolerance policy for underage betting, and launched a new risk-based and intelligence-driven regulatory framework.

With being presented in Victoria’s Parliament, the VGCCC annual report underscores its dedication to holding gambling operators accountable, ensuring compliance with both the letter and the spirit of the law.

Fran Thorn, the chair of VGCCC, said:

Our regulatory response is proportionate to the risks posed and harms caused when a gambling operator fails to comply with its obligations.

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.

Over the year, the VGCCC conducted over 1,600 audits and carried out 2,770 venue inspections statewide with including a focused regional operation and resulting in 10 successful prosecutions.

The VGCCC took disciplinary actions against several licensees, including Tabcorp and the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH), issuing fines on:

• Tabcorp: Fined $1 for repeatedly failing to follow directions during an investigation into a significant system outage.
• ALH: Fined $480,000 for operating poker machines outside approved trading hours at eight venues and ignoring mandatory shutdown periods.
• Myndit Pty Ltd: Fined $80,000 for violating cheque payment and record-keeping standards.

Ms. Thorn emphasized the effectiveness of the VGCCC’s new tip-off feature, designed to simplify anonymous reporting of inappropriate or suspicious behavior by the public.

Thorn mentioned:

In the first year, we received more than 260 tip-offs across a range of issues.

After receiving an online complaint from the public, the VGCCC investigated and prosecuted bookmaker Bluebet Pty Ltd for unlawfully displaying gambling advertisements on a public road. The company was convicted on 43 charges and fined $50,000.

In March 2024, following two years of oversight by a government-appointed Special Manager, the VGCCC concluded that Crown Melbourne was suitable to retain its casino license.

Ms. Thorn added:

The licence comes with strict operating conditions, including that Crown continue its reform program under a 3-year Transformation Plan against which it will be held to account.

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.