An Australian sportsbook has to pay a fine of AU$100,000 (US$65,088) for allowing a user to keep betting despite showing indicators of problem gambling. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

A serious case

An Australian sportsbook that allowed a customer to gamble unchecked for 35 hours over a 50-hour period has to pay a fine of AU$100,000 (US$65,088). The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) announced the penalty on Tuesday for MintBet’s extensive violations of the province’s Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct.

able to place 327 wagers and lose AU$31,149 (US$20,274)

The person was able to place 327 wagers and lose AU$31,149 (US$20,274) during the 2022 session despite showing signs of distress that could be linked to problem gambling. MintBet eventually closed the user’s account after the individual self-identified that they were struggling with their gambling.

Improvements necessary

The VGCCC also discovered that some of the systems MintBet had in place for monitoring users for signs of erratic betting behavior were not up to standard. Operators who notice users who are displaying signs of addiction or distress need to suspend their accounts pending further investigations.

The VGCCC accepts tips on its website from people who believe that an operator is not complying with its responsible gambling obligations.

In addition to the financial penalty, MintBet has to keep VGCCC updated about the changes it is making to its processes and systems. If the operator does not resolve these issues, it could face further regulatory action.

Not letting operators off the hook

Talking about the importance of operators complying with responsible gambling standards and having proper monitoring and intervention policies in place, VGCCC Deputy CEO Scott May said that betting “for an extended period is a key indicator of distress.” He emphasized that any operator failing to meet these standards will face serious consequences and that the regulator “won’t tolerate it.”

VGCC has a track record of following through with its threats

The VGCC has a track record of following through with its threats against errant operators. It issued AU$50m (US$32.5m) worth of fines to Crown Resorts last year and AU$120m (US$78m) in 2022 for historic failings, as well as an AU$1m penalty to Tabcorp in September for compliance issues.