Tabcorp and Eight Venues Face Charges for Underage Gambling
Date: 2023-09-18 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: EVENTS
In a shocking turn of events, Tabcorp and eight other establishments have found themselves in hot water, facing charges brought forth by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) for permitting underage gambling within their premises.
Tabcorp, a major player in the gambling industry, is now grappling with a staggering total of 54 charges under the Gambling Regulation Act of 2003. Among these charges, 27 pertain to the grave offense of allowing minors to engage in gambling activities and failing to adequately supervise electronic betting terminals.
The list of venues involved in this scandal is extensive and includes the Olympic Hotel managed by Kevak Hotels, the Brunswick Club operated by The Brunswick Club, the Edwardes Lake Hotel overseen by Lindec, the Parkview Hotel managed by Cathay International, and the Albion Charles Hotel, the Doncaster Hotel, the Rose Shamrock & Thistle Hotel, all of which are under the management of The Australian Leisure & Hospitality Group.
These 27 violations occurred between September 8 and November 1, 2022, as per the findings of the VGCCC's investigation.
The venue operators now face charges for allowing minors into areas with gaming machines, enabling underage gambling, and neglecting their duty to supervise electronic betting terminals. The Northcote TAB agency has also been slapped with charges related to the latter two offenses.
Annette Kimmitt AM, CEO of VGCCC, expressed her concern, stating, "One of the most serious harms is allowing minors to gamble. All gambling venues must ensure they do not accept a bet from a minor and must ask for identification from anyone they suspect could be underage."
The investigation was set in motion after the VGCCC received reports from vigilant members of the public who suspected breaches of the Gambling Regulation Act.
Should these charges proceed to court, and if the operators are found guilty, the collective fine could surpass an astounding AU$1 million (US$0.64 million). Meanwhile, Tabcorp, in a somewhat contrasting development, recently received a refund of AU$83 million (US$53.4 million) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) following the resolution of a tax dispute.
Tabcorp, a major player in the gambling industry, is now grappling with a staggering total of 54 charges under the Gambling Regulation Act of 2003. Among these charges, 27 pertain to the grave offense of allowing minors to engage in gambling activities and failing to adequately supervise electronic betting terminals.
The list of venues involved in this scandal is extensive and includes the Olympic Hotel managed by Kevak Hotels, the Brunswick Club operated by The Brunswick Club, the Edwardes Lake Hotel overseen by Lindec, the Parkview Hotel managed by Cathay International, and the Albion Charles Hotel, the Doncaster Hotel, the Rose Shamrock & Thistle Hotel, all of which are under the management of The Australian Leisure & Hospitality Group.
These 27 violations occurred between September 8 and November 1, 2022, as per the findings of the VGCCC's investigation.
The venue operators now face charges for allowing minors into areas with gaming machines, enabling underage gambling, and neglecting their duty to supervise electronic betting terminals. The Northcote TAB agency has also been slapped with charges related to the latter two offenses.
Annette Kimmitt AM, CEO of VGCCC, expressed her concern, stating, "One of the most serious harms is allowing minors to gamble. All gambling venues must ensure they do not accept a bet from a minor and must ask for identification from anyone they suspect could be underage."
The investigation was set in motion after the VGCCC received reports from vigilant members of the public who suspected breaches of the Gambling Regulation Act.
Should these charges proceed to court, and if the operators are found guilty, the collective fine could surpass an astounding AU$1 million (US$0.64 million). Meanwhile, Tabcorp, in a somewhat contrasting development, recently received a refund of AU$83 million (US$53.4 million) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) following the resolution of a tax dispute.
