A gambling regulator in Australia recently announced the completion of a comprehensive investigation into underage gambling. That’s the case for the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), the gambling watchdog in Victoria, which announced Monday the completion of what was described as the “most comprehensive action to date for underage gambling.”
The Gambling Watchdog Continues to Fight Underage Gambling
Throughout the investigation, the Commission dedicated more than 2,000 hours. Looking into cases of underage gambling, which represents a violation of the state’s established gambling regulations, the VGCCC issued fines surpassing half a million Australian dollars. In total, 14 prosecutions were initiated against 10 entities and close to 100 charges were announced.
Earlier this month, Supreme Edinburgh Pty Ltd, a company trading as the Duke of Edinburgh in Brunswick, pleaded guilty to breaches of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003. The three-count guilty plea in front of the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria resulted in a fine of AU$2,500 ($1,581). In addition, Supreme Edinburgh Pty Ltd was ordered to pay the VGCCC costs of AU$4,950 ($3,130).
More recently, the final case against an operator concluded on February 13, 2025. The case resulted in a fine of AU$3,000 ($1900) against Correct Bet Pty Ltd, the operator of the Coburg TAB outlet. While the company pleaded guilty to two charges, the decision was without conviction. The operator was also ordered to pay the VGCCC costs of AU$5,500 ($3,480).
Annette Kimmitt, the Commission’s CEO, spoke about the importance of combatting underage individuals from gambling. “It is a venue’s responsibility to ensure minors do not access a designated gambling area, let alone gamble, no matter how determined or convincing a child might be,” the executive said. In December, Kimmitt announced its plans to step down due to personal reasons. She is expected to vacate the senior-level role next month.
Investigation Into Underage Gambling Comes After a Report
The extensive investigation into underage gambling follows a report filed by the mother of a then 17-year-old who was at high risk of gambling harm due to his “neurodiversity, in addition to his age.” On that topic, Kimmitt said: “I can only imagine how difficult it was for the mother to come to us and I commend her for doing so.”
The VGCCC’s executive hoped that the announced actions and outcomes of the probe could bring “some comfort” to the parent, who, together with her family, has gone through significant trauma.
Kimmitt also spoke about the impact of non-compliance by gambling operators in Victoria. She warned that violations of the established rules can have a serious and long-lasting negative impact on the lives of Victorians. Thus, the CEO reiterated VGCCC’s intention to continue scrutinizing the market and addressing potential violations by gambling operators.
