The Victorian Gaming and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has penalized BlueBet a hefty sum of $50,000 (26,017 GBP/30,437 EUR/32,434 USD) for violating the state’s regulations regarding gambling promotions.
BlueBet was found to have broken the law on 43 occasions by displaying gambling advertisements on or above public roads, a practice prohibited by the Victorian Gambling and Liquor Control Reform Act of 2003.
The VGCCC initiated an inquiry after receiving numerous complaints from concerned citizens. The BlueBet ads were prominently displayed on digital billboards at various locations along highways for a period of two weeks in August and September of 2022.
The VGCCC pursued legal action against BlueBet, and the case was presented in court. During the proceedings, Magistrate Greg Thomas expressed difficulty in accepting BlueBet’s claim of ignorance regarding the law, considering the highly visible nature of the billboard locations and their targeting of males between the ages of 15 and 54.
Thomas refrained from recording a conviction but stated that if the violations were unintentional, it reflected a significant degree of carelessness. In reaching a verdict, BlueBet was found guilty of 43 counts of displaying gambling advertisements on or above public roads.
Thomas indicated that he would have imposed a fine of $70,000 and recorded a conviction.
Despite the admission of guilt, collaboration with the Victorian Gambling and Liquor Control Commission, and the actions BlueBet has taken to prevent such violations from recurring, both sides agreed to lower the penalty amount.
BlueBet will now be required to pay $50,000 and cover all expenses agreed upon by the VGCCC.
“Gambling promotions have no place in public spaces where they are easily visible to children and other susceptible individuals,” stated Annette Kimmitt, CEO of the Victorian Gambling and Liquor Control Commission (VGCCC). “These locations are particularly difficult to avoid in everyday routines. This decision sends a clear message to suppliers who gamble in violation of these regulations that safeguard our community.”
Victorian operators are facing new online measures.
The ruling follows the introduction of new online gambling account regulations in Victoria. These regulations encompass how players can view their spending and losses.
Beginning on April 1, these changes concentrate on how specific information is displayed in players’ online gambling accounts. This includes spending details, where their net losses will now exclude free and bonus bets. Furthermore, players’ monthly net win statements will be deducted from their total payment amount for all bets.
Simultaneously, licensees must present data in plain language, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon. Information about gambling harm should appear in monthly statements.
Victoria has been implementing measures to enhance consumer protection from gambling harm. In recent months, the Victorian Gambling and Liquor Control Commission (VGCCC) has intensified its enforcement actions against operators who violate the rules.
This month, MintBet was penalized A$150,000 for numerous violations of accountable gambling rules. In January, Tabcorp was mandated to transform the majority of its electronic wagering devices to cashless payments due to several instances of underage gambling.
**BlueBet’s New Chapter**
This penalty will be a setback for BlueBet, but it won’t impact its recent acquisition news. Last week, BlueBet signed a binding asset purchase agreement with Betr to obtain Betr’s betting operations.
BlueBet states this will create a larger entity in Australia, expanding its scale and market presence. BlueBet will issue approximately 265.4 million fully paid shares to Betr stakeholders. This represents about 56.9% of BlueBet’s current inventory.
The agreement is contingent upon a number of stipulations, including approval from BlueBet shareholders. BlueBet “unanimously” advises shareholders to vote in favor of the amalgamation, stating it will generate substantial value.
If all conditions are fulfilled, BlueBet anticipates completing the transaction by July 1.
Sign up for the iGaming News Newsletter
