Victorian gambling watchdog issues hefty fine to online bookie MintBet

Victorian bookmaker MintBet has been fined $100,000 over code of conduct breaches involving a customer who placed more than 300 bets during a 35-hour gambling spree.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) said MintBet was responsible for “repeated breaches” as the customer lost $31,149 from 327 bets.

It found that MintBet did not stop accepting bets from the punter despite indicators of distress that may be related to problem gambling, as required by their code.

MintBet closed the punter’s account only when the customer actively identified they were experiencing harm from their gambling.

The VGCCC said the punter gambled through an online account with MintBet for 35 hours out of a total of 50 hours.

Furthermore, MintBet’s systems to ensure vulnerable individuals did not experience a loss of control from their gambling were considered inadequate, the VGCCC found.

This was also considered a breach of the code.

In addition to issuing a fine, MintBet will be required to respond to the VGCCC about improvements it will be making to its systems and processes.

VGCCC deputy chief executive Scott May said the fine was a wake-up call for all gambling outlets.

“Victorian gambling providers must comply with their responsible gambling codes of conduct,” he said.

“They exist to protect people from gambling harm. Even if accepting bets online, providers must monitor for and intervene when customers are displaying indicators of distress.

“Gambling for an extended period is a key indicator of distress that may indicate problem gambling.

“There are serious consequences for any gambling provider that fails to comply with their own responsible gambling code of conduct. We won’t tolerate it.”