The Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has imposed a AU$130,000 (£66,128/€78,452/US$80,768) fine on online bookmaker VicBet for failing to comply with care obligations under state law.
Two Separate Breaches Identified
The VGCCC flagged two significant breaches by VicBet, resulting in fines for each violation.
- Bonus Bet Offer After Account Closure Request
In September 2022, VicBet offered a $1,800 bonus bet to a customer who had requested the closure of their betting account. This action violated Victorian laws prohibiting operators from offering incentives to retain accounts after closure requests. The VGCCC fined VicBet $50,000 for this breach. - Promotional Material Sent to Self-Excluded Customer
VicBet repeatedly sent gambling-related promotional material to a customer who had permanently self-excluded from the operator in March 2020. This was deemed a breach of the Victoria Bookmakers’ Association Code of Conduct. The VGCCC issued an $80,000 fine for this offence, as sending such material to self-excluded individuals is strictly prohibited.
VGCCC’s Response
Before imposing the penalties, the VGCCC allowed VicBet to respond and provide submissions through its legal representatives. Despite this opportunity, the Commission determined that disciplinary action was warranted.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt highlighted the risks posed by such breaches, emphasising the potential harm to players.
“Breaches can have serious consequences,” Kimmitt stated. “It is an egregious betrayal of trust to send marketing materials to a person who has self-excluded or to offer incentives to keep an account open after a closure request.”
She also criticised VicBet for failing to uphold its legal and social responsibilities, which put customers at increased risk.
“Operators must respect the wishes of people who decide to take a break from or quit gambling,” Kimmitt said. “They must take all reasonable steps to enforce harm prevention measures, such as self-exclusion programmes.”
Focus on Self-Exclusion in Victoria
The VGCCC’s action against VicBet follows recent enforcement measures targeting self-exclusion violations.
In October, Crown Resorts faced a AU$2 million fine for permitting self-excluded individuals to gamble at its Crown Melbourne casino. The VGCCC revealed that 242 self-excluded individuals placed bets at the venue, while 427 self-excluded persons gained access to the premises over 750 instances.
The VGCCC continues to reinforce compliance with self-exclusion rules, aiming to minimise gambling-related harm and uphold trust in the industry.
