About 70% of Victoria's 1,800 Tabcorp EBTs will switch to accepting vouchers exclusively starting in late January. Except for EBTs that are five meters away and directly in front of the counter, the rule applies to all of them. 

At the counter, gamers can buy a voucher that grants them access to the cashless machines. To verify their age and eligibility to wager on EBTs, individuals will be required to present identification at this point.

To further guarantee venues are adequately checking ID, the ruling also mandates that Tabcorp launch an impartial "mystery shopper" program.

If Tabcorp does to follow these rules, it can be subject to a growing list of fines. Terminating partnerships with venues and switching all EBTs in infringing venues to vouchers for six months are two possible measures.

"Inexcusable" breaches slammed by VGCCC
"It is inexcusable to accept a bet from a minor and tougher actions are required to protect the community, especially children from gambling harm," says VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt.

Protecting children from gaming begins with the venue employees. When they disregarded their duties, we wasted no time in taking firm action.

Not only will these stricter identification requirements make it harder for minors to gamble, but they will also aid in the fight against money laundering. Venues are reminded of their responsibilities to protect the community's safety and will be closely monitored by the VGCCC to ensure that these precautions are being implemented.

Substance faces seventy-two allegations of underage gambling
This ruling follows eight months of underage gambling charges filed by the VGCCC against Tabcorp and nine other venues. These included failing to adequately oversee EBTs, letting a youngster in a gaming machine area, and gambling.

In December, the court heard the first case. Because they let a minor gamble in 2022 using EBTs, the Preston Hotel was fined AU$25,300 (£13,240/€15,398/US$16,873) by a magistrate.

Allegedly enabling a juvenile to bet is the basis for the charges against Tabcorp and the other eight venues. From September 2022 through October 2023, there were claimed violations of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003.

In addition to the Olympic Hotel and Brunswick Club, the other eight places mentioned in the complaint are the Parkview Hotel, the Albion Charles Hotel, the Doncaster Hotel, the Rose Shamrock & Thistle Hotel, and Northcote TAB Agency.

The total number of charges against Tabcorp is 72. The highest fine that the operators might face if proven guilty is over $1.0 million, with Tabcorp facing a charge of up to $969,236.

The Melbourne magistrates court will hear the next subject on January 24.

Cracking down on rule-breakers: Victoria's stance 
The most recent move to combat rule violations in the state by the VGCCC is the cashless EBT directive.

Rumotel, who runs the Tower Hotel in Victoria, is one of the defendants. For allegedly violating responsible gambling regulations, Rumotel can be subject to an extra penalties of up to 1.4 million Australian dollars.

Rumotel was accused by the VGCCC of neglecting to maintain the presence of a responsible gambling officer on the gaming floor throughout the day. Rumotel is also accused of failing to adequately keep a registration for responsible gambling.

Because of this, the operator of the Tower Hotel was hit with three more charges by the VGCCC. These came after 35 allegations that the operator had faced in September related to possible violations of gaming control regulations.