## Victoria Prohibits Wagers on Young Athletes
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) in Australia has declared a comprehensive prohibition on wagering on any sporting event featuring individuals under the age of 19. This encompasses placing bets on individual athletes under 18 participating in senior or junior competitions within Victoria, even if it’s simply betting on who scores first or receives a red card. Nonetheless, wagering on the overall team outcomes in senior events remains permissible, even if minors are involved.
The VGCCC has provided sports organizations and betting companies a 60-day period, commencing on August 3rd, to adhere to the new regulations. Following this timeframe, offering bets on minors could lead to legal consequences.
The VGCCC asserts that permitting betting on minors raises concerns regarding the integrity of sports and the potential for gambling-related harm. They have directed sports organizations to modify their agreements with betting companies to ensure they do not offer bets involving minors. This ban applies to all sports, even those not governed by official sports organizations.
The Victorian Gaming and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has highlighted that these worries encompass the susceptibility of young people to efforts to compromise the honesty of the game and the acceptance of wagering on contests involving children.
“The concept of placing bets on minors is not acceptable,” stated VGCCC Chair Fran Thorn. “We feel that young people should be shielded. This also raises questions of honesty, as someone might try to influence the performance of minors in the competition.”
Thorn added that sports governing bodies and betting providers that fail to adhere to regulations will face the revocation of their permits to operate sports in the state or legal action.
“The VGCCC believes that wagering on random events related to the performance of individual minors in sporting events is against the public interest.”
Victoria’s extensive poker machine changes
The prohibition follows Victoria’s announcement of extensive changes last month aimed at mitigating the negative effects of electronic gaming machines.
The changes, proposed by Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Gaming, Liquor and Regulation Melissa Horne, are still awaiting final approval.
The changes include mandatory pre-commitment limits, identity verification through card gaming, decreased loading limits, venue closing times between 4 am and 10 am, and slower spin speeds.
Andrews stated at the time that the changes provided Australia with the strongest gambling harm prevention and anti-money laundering measures.
Royal Commission-initiated changes
Melbournes Crown casino’s wrongdoing prompted a royal investigation, which resulted in proposed changes.
The inquiry concluded in April 2022 that the gambling establishment was unsuitable for a license in the state. The probe also uncovered that the casino participated in “illegitimate, deceitful, immoral, and exploitative” actions.
Subsequent to the investigation, the state government created the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission to oversee gambling within the state.
The Victorian government set aside $71 million in its 2023 financial plan to enhance the VGCCC’s role in mitigating gambling-related harm. In this context, it will assume most of the responsibilities of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. This transition will become effective on July 1, 2024.
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