Victoria Imposes Fine on Preston Hotel for Underage Gambling Violations

Preston Hotel faces a $25,300 fine after permitting a 16-year-old to gamble six times, prompting a stern warning from the Magistrate about the long-term harm of minor gambling. The VGCCC, pursuing charges against Tabcorp and other venues, hailed the verdict as a clear message against tolerating underage access to gambling products in the industry.

Preston Hotel Fined $25,300: Underage Gambling Sparks Industry Warning

A magistrate has ordered the Preston Hotel to pay $25,300 for letting a sixteen-year-old use the hotel’s betting terminals and gamble there six times between May and September of 2022.

In May 2023, the VGCCC filed charges against the Preston Hotel after receiving a tip from a member of the public.

The magistrate emphasized the possibility of long-term harm resulting from underage gambling and cautioned the industry and venues that it is their responsibility, not the minor’s, to stop underage gambling.

Court Reduces Fine in Landmark Underage Gambling Case, Warning for Industry

Her Honour noted the venue operators’ readiness to enter an early plea and take proactive measures to make amends for their mistakes when imposing the sentence, which included reducing the fine and doing away with the requirement to record the conviction.

Regarding several charges involving Tabcorp and multiple other Melbourne gambling establishments that permitted minors to gamble, this is the first case that the court will address. After being charged by the VGCCC in September 2023, eight more venues will appear in court later.

CEO of the VGCCC, Annette Kimmitt AM, praised the decision, stating that it is unacceptable to take a bet from a child. This conveys an unmistakable message to the whole sector. It will not be acceptable to let children have access to gambling products.