VGCCC Directs Tabcorp to Implement Cashless Betting Terminals

The gambling regulator in Victoria, Australia, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), directed Tabcorp, one of the leading gambling operators in the province, to implement changes to most of its Electronic Betting Terminals (EBTs). Per the request of the regulator, a majority of the operator’s machines would have to become cashless.

The change is expected to affect approximately 70% of Tabcorp’s 1,800 EBTs across the state. All those machines are expected to become cashless starting from later this month. To use such terminals, visitors would need to collect a voucher from the betting venue’s counter. Customers who appear to be under the age of 25, would first need to undergo ID verification, before engaging in any betting activities.

The latest recommendation comes after many incidents with minors engaging in gambling via EBTs were uncovered. Ultimately, with the change, the VGCCC seeks to protect underage individuals from gambling and gambling-related harm. At the same time, making 70% of Tabcorp’s EBTs cashless is expected to help strengthen monitoring and efforts against money laundering.

Besides the aforementioned change, VGCCC also directed Tabcorp to implement a new “mystery shopper” program. This program would seek to ensure that the company’s venues comply with the requirements for ID checking. According to the gambling watchdog, venues that do not comply with the aforementioned rules can expect penalties, including the shift of all EBTs to cashless mode for a period of six months.

It’s important to note that EBTs who are close to the venue’s counter won’t be affected by the latest change. Still, those betting machines would need to be within “five meters and in the line of sight of the counter,” in order to accept cash bets.

Gambling Regulator Will Continue to Monitor the Market

The latest announcement comes after the VGCCC filed charges against Tabcorp and eight venues over alleged breaches of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 related to allowing minors to gamble. According to the gambling regulator, Tabcorp faces a total of 72 charges for allegedly allowing minors to gamble via EBTs by failing to enforce proper supervision.

“It is inexcusable to accept a bet from a minor and tougher actions are required to protect the community, especially children, from gambling harm.“

Annette Kimmitt AM, CEO at the VGCCC

VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM revealed that the directives for Tabcorp come after a growing number of breaches within the gambling sector. She outlined that it is unacceptable for betting operators to accept wagers by minors, adding that those vulnerable groups need to be protected from gambling harm.

Kimmitt added: “Venue staff are the first line of defense in protecting minors from gambling. We have taken decisive measures where they have failed to take their responsibilities seriously.” Finally, VGCCC’s CEO explained the Commission will continue to monitor Tabcorp’s compliance and support measures that obstruct minors from gambling.