Preston Hotel, Tabcorp facing hefty fines for allowing minor to gamble

May 11, 2023 12:45 am.by Omale Godwin

The Preston Hotel in Melbourne is facing fines of almost $222,000 after a 16-year-old was allegedly allowed to gamble on electronic betting terminals.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has charged the pub with 15 different offences, including six counts of failing to reasonably supervise its electronic betting terminals, and six counts of allowing a minor to gamble.

The gambling venue is also charged with three counts of allowing an underage to enter a gambling machine area, with a total maximum fine of $221,904. The charges stem from six occasions in May and September of last year when the teenager in question was allowed to access the terminals and place bets.

The gambling watchdog was tipped off about the minor allegedly being allowed to gamble at the Preston Hotel, and subsequently, other venues were investigated.

As a result, Tabcorp, Australia’s largest sports betting company and holder of the statewide wagering and betting license, has also been charged by the commission with eight offenses. These include four counts of allowing an underage person to gamble and four counts of failing to supervise a gambling vending machine properly. The maximum fines that Tabcorp could face are almost $104,000 over the 16-year-old’s alleged gambling activities.

The commission’s gambling director, Glorija Kuzman, expressed deep concern about the issue, highlighting that all gambling operators, including venues and license holders, have a legal responsibility to prevent children from gambling.

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One of the most serious harms of gambling is minors engaging in such activities, according to Kuzman. However, Tabcorp has taken the allegations seriously, with a company spokesman indicating that the business is committed to managing the unique challenges of cash betting and has invested heavily in this area to protect minors by preventing equipment misuse.

The watchdog has called on members of the public who may be concerned that they have witnessed a minor gambling to contact them. Meanwhile, as of now, the Preston Hotel has not issued any public comments on the matter.

If found guilty, the pub and Tabcorp could face maximum fines of almost $222,000 and $104,000, respectively.

This case highlights the serious legal implications for gambling operators who fail to comply with laws and regulations aimed at preventing minors from engaging in gambling activities.

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