VGCCC to Ban Betting in Victoria on Under 19 Sports Events

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The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), the Australian state gaming regulator, has announced that betting on under 19’s sports competitions in the state will be banned.

In details of the new gambling regulation, the VGCCC has stated that betting on all juniors sporting events featuring under 19s will be illegal in the state. Also included in the ban are those under 18’s that are participating in an adult sporting event.

The VGCCC is of the view that betting on contingencies in sporting events relating to the performance of an individual minor in that sporting event is contrary to the public interest.

Fran ThornChair of VGCCC

It is believed that incorporating gambling on under-19’s puts undue pressure on minors regarding their sporting performance.

The VGCCC is also concerned about protecting the integrity of sports competitions and feels minors may be susceptible to influence by corruption or match-fixing.

Outline of Changes to Betting Rules

The VGCCC has clarified the proposed betting ban on minors participating in sports events with 3 rules:

  • Betting will be banned at sports events where all the participants are minors.
  • Where a sporting event is open but may contain a player under 18, only bets on the team will be allowed and not on the individual player.
  • Gaming operators in the state of Victoria will not be able to provide odds on sporting events for under 19s.

Stakeholders Have 60 Days to Comply

The VGCCC has written to all the governing bodies of all major sports in the state giving details of the proposed changes to betting on minor sporting competitions. The regulator has told the governing bodies of sports to liaise with companies and ensure the gaming operators do not have betting markets on sporting events with minors.

All stakeholders in the gaming industry in Victoria will be given 60 days to implement the new rules. Any organizations that do not comply will face sanctions from the VGCCC that could lead to prosecution.

The idea that it is okay to bet on minors just doesn’t stand up. We think minors deserve to be protected. It also raises integrity issues, with the prospect of people attempting to influence how minors might behave playing sports. If sports controlling bodies and betting providers do not comply with this decision we will take action, which may include revoking our approval of sports controlling bodies and prosecuting betting providers.

Fran ThornChair of VGCCC

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