The Victorian Gaming and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has levied a penalty of $50,000 (26,017 GBP/30,437 EUR/32,434 USD) on BlueBet for violating the state’s gambling advertising regulations.
BlueBet was determined to have broken the law on 43 counts for displaying gambling advertisements on or above public roads, which is prohibited under the Victorian Gambling Regulation Act of 2003.
The VGCCC inquiry began after a public complaint. For a fortnight in August and September of 2022, BlueBet’s ads were featured on digital billboards at numerous locations along highways.
These breaches prompted the VGCCC to take legal action against BlueBet, and the case was heard in a courtroom. During the court proceedings, Magistrate Greg Thomas expressed difficulty in accepting BlueBet’s claim that they were unaware of their legal transgression, given that the prime location of the billboards was aimed at males aged 15-54.
Thomas did not register a conviction, but stated that there was a “high” level of carelessness if the violations were unintentional. In deciding the case, BlueBet was found guilty of 43 charges for displaying gambling advertisements on or above public roads.
Thomas indicated that he would have imposed a fine of $70,000 on BlueBet and recorded a conviction.
Although both parties came to a resolution to lower the penalty, taking into account the admission of guilt, collaboration with the Victorian Gambling and Racing Commission, and the measures BlueBet has implemented to prevent similar occurrences, BlueBet will now be required to pay a fine of $50,000 and cover all related expenses incurred by the Victorian Gambling and Racing Commission.
“Advertising for gambling should not be displayed in public areas where it is easily accessible to children and other susceptible individuals,” stated Annette Kimmitt, CEO of the Victorian Gambling and Racing Commission. “These locations are particularly challenging to avoid during routine activities. This verdict sends a clear message to betting providers who disregard these regulations designed to safeguard our community.”
New online measures for Victorian operators
This decision follows the implementation of new regulations in Victoria concerning online gambling accounts. These regulations include guidelines for how players can access their spending and losses.
Effective April 1, these changes emphasize the presentation of specific information within players’ online gambling accounts. This includes spending details, where net losses will now exclude free and bonus bets. Moreover, players’ monthly net win statements will be adjusted by subtracting all bets from their total payment amount.
Simultaneously, licensees are obligated to present data using straightforward language, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon. Information regarding gambling harm should be included in monthly statements.
Victoria has been actively implementing measures to enhance consumer protection against gambling-related harm. In recent months, the Victorian Gambling and Racing Commission has taken a firm stance against operators who violate regulations.
This particular month, MintBet was penalized $150,000 for repeated infringements of accountable gambling rules. In the first month of the year, Tabcorp was obligated to convert the majority of its electronic wagering machines to cashless transactions due to numerous instances of underage gambling.
**A New Chapter for BlueBet**
The penalty will be a setback for BlueBet, but it won’t impact its recent acquisition news. Last week, BlueBet signed a binding agreement to purchase the Betr betting enterprise.
BlueBet asserts that this will establish a larger, more dominant force in the Australian market. BlueBet will issue approximately 265.4 million fully paid shares to Betr stakeholders. This represents about 56.9% of BlueBet’s current shares.
The agreement is contingent on various conditions, including approval from BlueBet shareholders. BlueBet “unanimously” suggests shareholders vote in favor of the merger, stating it will generate significant value.
If all conditions are met, BlueBet anticipates finalizing the transaction by the first of July.
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