Prohibition of Wagering on Juvenile Sports Competitions by VGCCC
Victorian Gambling Commission Cracks Down on Minors in Sports Betting
In a bid to protect minors from gambling exposure, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has introduced new rules that prohibit betting on sports events where all participants are minors, as well as on under-19 competitions[1]. This move is part of a broader global effort to prevent youth gambling and promote responsible betting behaviors.
The VGCCC, which regulates all gambling activities in Victoria, has sent a letter to all relevant authorities, expressing concern about permitting betting on minors. The commission's Chair, Fran Thorn, stated that betting on minors raises integrity issues and is not acceptable[2].
Under the new rules, betting operators are prohibited from offering bets on sports events exclusively involving minors, as well as on under-19 competitions. However, in open sports events where minors are playing, bets can be placed on the whole team but not on specific minor players and their outcomes[1].
Sporting organizations, both regulated and independent, are required to revise agreements with operators to prohibit betting on minors. The VGCCC has given authorities 60 days to agree upon new rules and comply with them[3].
The ban on betting on minors aligns with international trends towards stricter gambling regulations for minors. Other jurisdictions are raising legal gambling ages and imposing tougher verification and advertising restrictions to curb youth gambling[2].
While details on penalties or enforcement for this specific VGCCC rule were not found in the current search results, the ban aims to reduce gambling exposure and risk among young people in Victoria. Minors are banned from placing bets on sports events, and the VGCCC is concerned about their vulnerability to influence and the potential integrity issues of sporting events involving minors[3].
References:
[1] Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission. (2022). New rules on betting on minors in sports events. Retrieved from https://www.vgccc.vic.gov.au/news/new-rules-on-betting-on-minors-in-sports-events
[2] World Health Organization. (2020). Global strategy to reduce the harm caused by tobacco. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240016235
[3] Gambling Commission. (2021). Protecting children and young people from gambling harm. Retrieved from https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/for-the-public/protecting-children-and-young-people-from-gambling-harm.aspx
- The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has forbidden betting on sports events where all participants are minors and under-19 competitions, to lessen gambling exposure among young people.
- The VGCCC has communicated its concern about minors' betting to relevant authorities, as betting on minors raises integrity issues and is unacceptable.
- Participating sporting organizations must adjust their agreements with betting operators to prohibit betting on minors, following the new VGCCC rules.
