Australia’s MintBet faces €60K penalty for allowing extended gambling session

Jenny Ortiz April 2, 2024

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Australia’s MintBet faces €60K penalty for allowing extended gambling session

MintBet, an Australian sports betting platform, has incurred a fine of AU$100,000 (€60,500) from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) for permitting a customer to engage in a 35-hour gambling spree within a 50-hour timeframe.

The VGCCC said MintBet failed to intervene despite the customer exhibiting signs of distress associated with problem gambling. The commission emphasized that MintBet continued to accept bets from the customer despite apparent indicators of gambling-related distress.

Authorities highlighted that MintBet only took action to close the customer’s account after the individual self-identified as experiencing harm from their gambling activities. Throughout the episode, the customer placed 327 bets via their online account, resulting in a loss of AU$31,149 (€18,807).

System enhancement required??

As part of the penalty, MintBet is mandated to report to the VGCCC regarding enhancements to its systems and processes. The commission will evaluate MintBet’s response and assess the need for further action.

Scott May, Deputy CEO of VGCCC, underscored the severity of consequences for gambling providers failing to adhere to responsible gambling standards, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to such negligence.

Despite MintBet featuring a segment on its website outlining signs of problem gambling, including difficulties in controlling or halting gambling behavior and excessive time or money spent on gambling, the platform’s oversight in addressing customer distress drew regulatory scrutiny.

This incident reflects a broader trend in Australia, with authorities increasingly imposing fines on both land-based and online gambling operators for inadequacies in addressing problem gambling. As regulatory bodies intensify efforts to uphold responsible gambling standards, operators face heightened scrutiny to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and safeguard customer well-being.

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