In recent investigations, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) found that patrons continued to play poker machines at three casinos in Victoria outside of their designated opening hours. This breach of regulation is regarded seriously by the VGCCC, which has chosen to implement enforcement actions by fining these casinos.
The commission, intent on maintaining strict compliance with operational regulations, has urged venue operators to utilize free services provided by Intralot Gaming Services. These services automatically switch poker machines on and off according to the official opening hours, ensuring no gambling occurs during unauthorized periods.
Operators have been advised to rigorously monitor poker machine play and revisit their licence conditions consistently. The VGCCC has emphasized the importance of having robust processes in place to guarantee that pokies are only operational within approved hours. This is part of a broader effort by the VGCCC to ensure responsible gambling practices are enforced across the board.
In April, the VGCCC also implemented several changes to online gambling accounts to bolster transparency and player awareness. Effective from April 1st, these modifications primarily focus on how players access and interpret information concerning their online accounts. Now, details on spending will deduct free and bonus bets from net losses, providing a clearer view of net win figures by excluding all stakes from total payouts.
Additionally, operators are mandated to use plain English in their communications, minimizing the use of unnecessary jargon to make information more comprehensible for players. The VGCCC also recommended limiting the use of black and red colors to highlight losses more clearly, thus improving the visibility and understanding of player losses.
The VGCCC has clarified that any failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant penalties. Specifically, operators may be issued with 60 penalty units for each non-compliant activity statement, equating to AU$11,539.
Annette Kimmitt, Chief Executive of VGCCC, reiterated the commission’s commitment to fostering a transparent and fair gambling environment. “The days of inconsistent player activity statements are over.
. Wagering account holders will be better informed about their spending. Therefore, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their gambling, thanks to the clarity and fairness these changes bring,” she stated.
The VGCCC has been increasingly proactive in penalizing operators who breach responsible gaming regulations. One notable instance is the fine imposed on MintBet in April. The company was fined AU$150,000 for multiple breaches of responsible gambling regulations. It was discovered that they had allowed a player to gamble continuously for 35 hours over a span of approximately 50 hours, resulting in a loss of $31,149 for the player.
In another significant clampdown aimed at preventing underage gambling, Tabcorp has been ordered to convert the majority of its electronic betting terminals in Victoria to cashless machines. The new system requires players to purchase a voucher, which necessitates passing an ID check at the counter to verify that they are of the legal gambling age of 18 and above.
These measures highlight the VGCCC’s dedication to upholding responsible gambling practices and ensuring that the gaming environment in Victoria is both fair and compliant with regulations. The VGCCC continues to identify and address violations proactively, aiming to create a safer gambling experience for all patrons.
The VGCCC’s recent actions serve as a reminder to all gaming operators in Victoria about the importance of adhering to established guidelines and regulations. The commission’s commitment to enforcing compliance is unwavering, with significant penalties established as a deterrent to any potential breaches.
As the gambling landscape evolves, the VGCCC remains vigilant in its oversight and committed to fostering a responsible and transparent gambling environment. For players, these measures provide added assurance that their interests are being safeguarded and that they will have the necessary information to make informed gambling decisions.
Going forward, the VGCCC will continue to monitor industry practices closely, ensuring that all operators maintain strict compliance with the guidelines established to protect both players and the integrity of the gaming industry in Victoria. Whether through fines, stricter regulations on operating hours, or enhanced transparency requirements for online accounts, the VGCCC’s actions underscore its dedication to responsible gambling and regulatory integrity.
