The Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has mandated that Tabcorp transition the majority of its electronic betting terminals (EBTs) in Australia to a cashless system due to several occurrences of underage gambling.
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From late January, approximately 70% of 1,800 Tabcorp EBTs in Victoria will change to only accept vouchers. The decision affects all EBTs, with the exception of those located within five metres and directly visible from the counter. 

Players are required to buy a voucher at the counter in order to use the cashless machines. Individuals will undergo identification verification to confirm their legal age for participating in gambling activities involving EBTs.

The decision mandates that Tabcorp implement an independent “mystery shopper” program to verify that venues are properly checking identification.

If Tabcorp does not meet these requirements, it may encounter a growing list of penalties. These could include having all EBTs in offending venues switched to vouchers for six months and terminating agreements with venues.

VGCCC condemns “unacceptable” violations
“Accepting a bet from a minor is unacceptable, and we must take stronger measures to safeguard the community, particularly our children, from the dangers of gambling,” stated VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt.

“The personnel at the venue play a crucial role in safeguarding young individuals from the risks associated with gambling. We have implemented firm actions in response to their lack of accountability.

“These enhanced identity verifications not only serve as an extra obstacle to permitting children to engage in gambling but will also aid in the prevention of money laundering.” The VGCCC is set to closely oversee these protective measures aimed at minimising harm, and it is imperative for venues to recognise and fulfil their responsibility towards the community.

Tabcorp is currently confronted with 72 allegations related to underage gambling.
The directive follows the VGCCC's charges against Tabcorp and nine venues related to underage gambling activities that have occurred over the last eight months. The issues at hand involve permitting a minor in a gaming machine zone and gambling activities, alongside the inadequate supervision of electronic benefit transfer systems.

The initial case was presented in court in December. A magistrate has imposed a fine of AU$25,300 (£13,240/€15,398/US$16,873) on the Preston Hotel for permitting a 16-year-old to engage in gambling activities with EBTs in 2022.

Tabcorp and eight other venues are facing charges for allegedly permitting a minor to engage in gambling activities. Between September 2022 and October 2023, there were claims of violations concerning the Gambling Regulation Act 2003.

The eight venues still involved in the case are the Olympic Hotel, Brunswick Club, Edwardes Lake Hotel, Parkview Hotel, Albion Charles Hotel, Doncaster Hotel, Rose Shamrock & Thistle Hotel, and Northcote TAB Agency.

Tabcorp is currently confronted with a total of 72 charges. If convicted, the operators could incur a total fine exceeding $1.0 million, with Tabcorp potentially facing a penalty of $969,236.

The upcoming case is scheduled to be heard at the Melbourne magistrates court on 24 January.

Victoria clamping down on rule-breakers 
The implementation of the cashless EBT order marks a significant move by the VGCCC in tackling rule violations within the state.

Among those facing charges is Rumotel, the operator of the Tower Hotel located in Victoria. Rumotel may be subject to a further penalty of as much as AU$1.4 million for purportedly violating responsible gambling regulations.

The VGCCC has reported that Rumotel did not maintain the presence of a responsible gambling officer at all times on the gaming floor. There are also claims that Rumotel failed to adequately maintain a responsible gambling register.

The VGCCC has consequently brought forth three more charges against the operator of the Tower Hotel. In September, 35 charges were filed against the operator for purportedly violating gambling control regulations.