Bookmaker description
A bookmaker is a person who:
- carries on the business of a bookmaker or turf commission agent
- gains any kind of livelihood by betting or making wagers.
The duration of a bookmaker's registration is 10 years, subject to conditions in the registration, and unless:
- cancelled
- surrendered
- suspended.
Bookmakers are required to follow obligations set out in their registration. These obligations outline the ongoing responsibility to notify the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) of any changes. These changes are specified in the Directions Under Section 10.4A.4 to Gambling Industry Participants and Directions Under Section 10.4A.4 to Nominees and Associates of Gambling Industry Participants.
Registered bookmakers cannot allow a person convicted of a 'relevant offence' (within the last 10 years) to have any involvement in bets made. This includes on-course staff.
A relevant offence is:
- an offence against the Racing Act 1958, a gaming act, or regulations
- an offence involving fraud or dishonesty punishable by imprisonment for 3 months or more
- an indictable offence, or an offence that, if committed in Victoria would be an indictable offence.
Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action being taken against you as a registered bookmaker.
Who can apply to be a bookmaker?
To apply to the VGCCC for registration as a bookmaker, you must be:
- an individual aged 18 years or more
- a corporation.
Both must apply using the approved form.
How to apply
If you are seeking registration as a bookmaker, whether as a:
- sole trader
- partnership
- corporation.
Please see the bookmaker registration(opens in a new window) page.
View list of Approved Bookmakers.
Bookmaker key employees
A bookmaker's key employee is a person who is:
- employed by a bookmaker in a managerial role
- authorised to make decisions relevant to business operations of a bookmaker
- employed in any other activity relating to the operations of a bookmaker specified by the VGCCC.
Note: the VGCCC has not specified any other activities at this time.
The VGCCC is responsible for granting and enforcing the registration conditions of the bookmaker's key employees.
To apply to become a bookmaker key employee, please see Bookmaker Key Employee(opens in a new window) page.
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