Betting giant Tabcorp has been ordered to stop accepting cash at its machines in Victorian pubs and clubs unless they are properly supervised by staff. This follows revelations that a 16-year-old boy with gambling debts of nearly $100,000 placed bets at multiple venues.
According to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, the teenager gambled on more than 30 occasions between May 2022 and October 2023 across Melbourne's northern suburbs. The matter is the subject of ongoing court action against venues.
In a victim impact statement, the boy's mother said he borrowed money from people who later threatened their safety. She alleged two people broke into her home with machetes. 'To repay my son's gambling debts, I felt I had no choice and out of terror I withdrew my super and maxed out my credit card. I re-mortgaged my previously paid off home to pay back the criminals a total of $90,000,' her statement said.
The commission's chief executive, Annette Kimmitt, said Tabcorp must comply with the directive by the end of the month. 'We decided enough was enough,' she said. 'You could just insert your cash and make your bets. Children were using these machines.'
The directive requires all machines that cannot be supervised by a staff member within five metres to no longer accept cash. Instead, gamblers must obtain a voucher from a staff member who can check identification. About 70% of Victoria's 1,800 electronic betting terminals will be affected.
Mystery shoppers will attend venues to ensure compliance. Anyone suspected of being under 25 must be asked for ID. A Tabcorp spokesperson said it was working with the commission to create a safe experience for customers.
