The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined the Victorian Amateur Turf Club AU$7,000 (US$4,360) as part of its ongoing crackdown on underage gambling in Victoria.
This enforcement effort was highlighted by former VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt, who reiterated the commission’s commitment to investigating and penalizing venues that allow minors into gambling areas.
The fine stems from an incident on June 10, 2023, when a child entered the Peninsula Club’s gambling area twice. On both occasions, the child accessed poker machines without intervention. During the second visit, the child, accompanied by adults, used a poker machine for approximately five minutes before staff intervened.
Although no convictions resulted from the case, the Victorian Amateur Turf Club was prosecuted for two breaches of the Victorian Gambling Regulation Act 2003. In addition to the AU$7,000 fine, the club was ordered to pay AU$3,500 to the VGCCC.
The VGCCC has also taken two additional underage gambling cases to court, both set for resolution this year. Supreme Edinburgh Pty Ltd was fined AU$2,500 after pleading guilty to three violations of the Gambling Regulation Act, while Correct Bet Pty Ltd received a AU$3,000 fine for allowing a minor to gamble on its premises.
Annette Kimmit, the former CEO of the VGCCC, mentioned:
This is a warning to every venue. The onus is on you to ensure that children cannot and do not enter the gambling area or participate in any gambling activity, even if they’re with an adult… The rules exist to protect children from exposure to, and harm from, gambling.
Follow our Telegram channel
