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The ASX-listed wagering giant currently faces 72 charges of allowing a minor to gamble and failing to reasonably supervise its terminals after the teenager, then aged 16, gambled at many Victorian pubs over multiple periods in 2022. Tabcorp may also be forced to pay up to $969,236 in fines if convicted of the breaches.
The Victorian regulator began its investigation after a complaint from a member of the public in May last year. So far, the commission found the teenager, who has recently turned 18, was able to place bets as a child at 13 venues between September 2022 and November 2023, when aged 16 and 17.
‘Venue staff are the first line of defence in protecting minors from gambling.’
Annette Kimmett, Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission chief executive
The pubs – the bulk of which are owned by ASX-listed pubs giant Endeavour – face a maximum collective fine of $1 million.
So far, nine venues have been charged with allowing a minor within a gaming machine area and failing to ensure gambling vending machines were reasonably supervised at all times.
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The remaining four pubs are expected to be charged in the coming months with similar offences after allegedly allowing the child to gamble on five additional occasions between September and October last year.
A Tabcorp spokesperson said the business would work with the regulator and retail outlets to implement the required changes.
“Tabcorp worked with the state regulator to ensure cash betting was allowed for electronic betting terminals within five metres of the counter and that voucher betting is allowed for all other electronic gaming terminals,” the spokesperson said.
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