Starting late January, approximately 70% of the 1,800 Tabcorp Electronic Betting Terminals (EBTs) in Victoria will undergo a significant change, accepting only vouchers as payment.
This new regulation applies to all EBTs, with exceptions granted to those positioned within five meters and in the line of sight of the betting counter.
To use these cashless machines, players will be required to purchase vouchers at the counter and undergo identity checks to verify they are of legal gambling age.
Additionally, Tabcorp has been directed to implement an independent “mystery shopper” program to ensure that venues are diligently checking IDs.
Failure to comply with these stipulations could lead to escalating penalties for Tabcorp, including the conversion of all EBTs in offending venues to vouchers for a period of six months and even the termination of agreements with these venues.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has expressed its concern over the “inexcusable” breaches that have been occurring, especially when it comes to minors engaging in gambling.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt emphasized the importance of venue staff being vigilant in safeguarding against underage gambling and the potential for money laundering.
The VGCCC plans to actively monitor these new safeguards to mitigate harm, and they urge venues to uphold their duty of care to the community.
This new order from VGCCC follows a series of charges against Tabcorp and nine venues over the past eight months related to underage gambling.
These charges include allowing minors within gaming machine areas, underage gambling, and a lack of adequate supervision for EBTs.
In December, the Preston Hotel was fined AU$25,300 for allowing a 16-year-old to gamble on EBTs in 2022.
Tabcorp now faces a total of 72 charges, with potential collective fines exceeding $1.0 million. Tabcorp’s share of this could reach $969,236 if found guilty.
The next legal proceeding is scheduled for January 24th in the Melbourne magistrates court.
The cashless EBT mandate is just the latest measure taken by VGCCC to crack down on rule violations in Victoria’s gambling industry.
One such case involves Rumotel, the operator of the Tower Hotel, which could incur an additional fine of up to AU$1.4 million for allegedly breaching responsible gambling rules.
VGCCC alleges that Rumotel failed to have a responsible gambling officer available at all times on the gaming floor and neglected to maintain a proper responsible gambling register.
This situation has resulted in three additional charges being filed against the Tower Hotel operator, adding to the 35 charges already filed in September for breaching gambling control regulations.