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Victoria’s Spring Racing Carnival has wrapped up for another year and Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) inspectors conducted almost 100 inspections at racetracks and gaming venues across the event.
Although no high-harm breaches such as accepting bets from children or intoxicated people were detected, it’s clear that some bookmakers on regional racetracks are failing to meet their basic Responsible Service of Gambling obligations. This includes maintaining and being able to produce for inspectors documents like training, cheque and complaints registers.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt said the regulator would work with bookmakers and industry more broadly to provide further education and set clear expectations.
“Our Spring Racing Carnival operation generally saw positive results for the industry and for the community, especially when it came to protecting those who may be most vulnerable to gambling harm,” said Ms Kimmitt.
“But we’ve still got a way to go, and this includes continuing to educate industry about their legal and social obligations and ensuring they fix and prevent breaches of Victoria’s gambling laws.”
The VGCCC issued written warnings to the relevant bookmakers, requiring improvement and reminding them that regulatory action may escalate if breaches are repeated.
Inspectors also conducted inspections of nearby gaming venues in regional areas where additional breaches around CCTV and YourPlay (Victoria’s mandatory pre-commitment scheme) were detected. The VGCCC is considering the appropriate regulatory response in relation to those matters.
The VGCCC was established from 1 January 2022 to ensure Victoria’s gambling industry operates with integrity, and is safe and fair.
