Tabcorp has to pay AU$370,417 (US$246,130) after letting a 17-year-old use its betting terminals on more than 30 occasions at 13 pubs. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Tabcorp has been fined over AU$370,000 (US$246,130) for letting a child gamble at 13 venues in Victoria. The company pleaded guilty on Thursday in a Melbourne court to 43 charges from May 2023 following an investigation by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).

failed to stop a 17-year-old from using betting terminals on more than 30 occasions

Tabcorp failed to stop a 17-year-old from using betting terminals on more than 30 occasions at pubs between May 2022 and October 2023. Australia’s biggest gambling company was looking at a fine of up to AU$700,000 (US$465,650) before the court settled on AU$274,000 (US$182,269) plus costs of AU$96,417 (US$64,138). The pub owners are also facing financial penalties.

The mitigation was the result of Tabcorp’s efforts since the matter came to light to ensure that minors can no longer get away with gambling at their venues. It said it is committed to investing in and evolving its safe gambling measures in cooperation with the state’s regulator.

Following the culmination of the court proceedings, VGCCC Chief Executive Annette Kimmitt said that Tabcorp’s failings “undermine the integrity and safety” of the sector. She noted that staff at gambling facilities are vital in preventing underage gambling by always checking identification and monitoring gambling machines at all times.