Victoria’s Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) pledged that it will closely watch local bookmakers, especially now, with the Spring Racing Carnival just around the corner. The state’s gambling regulatory body promised to take quick and steadfast action in case it found any bookmakers violating the rules.
The Spring Racing Carnival is one of the largest horse racing events in the state of Victoria. It is held on an annual basis and normally attracts many fans of sports betting and horse racing. Unfortunately, with that said, it is no surprise that the event also attracts a lot of illegal gambling. In addition, many gambling companies that operate legally tend to secretively offer products that actually violate Victoria’s gambling legislation.
With the Carnival approaching, Victoria’s gambling watchdog made an announcement, pledging to make sure that operators play by the rules. The regulatory body issued a warning that operating licence holders need to have in mind that their services are in line with the Victorian gambling laws, which means that they have to avoid offering harmful betting products.
Sportsbooks have also been reminded that they must not take bets from underage individuals or from people who are under the influence of alcohol. Victoria’s Gambling and Casino Control Commission further noted that it would carefully follow the developments in the local racing and betting sector during the Spring Carnival and check whether gambling operators in the state are in line with the rules and regulations. The watchdog also reminded operators to make sure they check the ID of their customers, as required by Victorian law.
Potential Violations Will Bring Bookmakers Penalties and Fines, VGCCC Warns
Apart from gambling and sports betting companies, operators’ gambling facilities and machines will also be subject to supervision. According to the gambling watchdog, digital betting will be subject to the same critical examination that applies to the retail gambling operator’s services.
Annette Kimmitt, the chief executive officer of the Victorian gambling regulatory body, warned that the VGCCC’s inspectors are set to follow a zero-tolerance policy in case they detect any purposeful violations of the state’s gambling laws. She further noted that all licence holders in Victoria are expected to comply with the state’s regulations. Ms Kimmitt explained that during the spring racing season, the gambling watchdog wanted to see industry licence holders step up to their legal and social obligations at the same time, with Victoria’s Gambling and Casino Control Commission expecting companies to protect the local community for any instances of gambling-related harm.
The regulator’s boss also shared that sports betting operators and Tabcorp have already been warned to comply with their obligations and should prepare for the season without trying to circumvent the regulatory rules, or they will face the consequences of doing so. The CEO of the VGCCC confirmed that the gambling watchdog remains firm on its position to go after operators that violate the rules by imposing various penalties, including monetary fines.
This year’s edition of the Spring Racing Carnival is set to kick off on November 1st. For the last couple of years, the carnival took place without any audience but now it will once again open its doors to welcome fans of professional horse racing.
- Author
Daniel Williams
