The Brunswick Club has been called out by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) as one of 10 entities that have pleaded guilty to allowing a minor to gamble in its venue between May 2022 and October 2023.
The members-only snooker club has been charged with three counts of allowing a minor to gamble, one count of failing to supervise, and one count of allowing a minor to enter a gaming machine area. The club has also been ordered to pay $7,500.
It comes after the VGCCC concluded more than 2,000 hours of investigations against 10 entities, after the commission was prompted by concerns reported by the mother of the then 17-year-old, whose neurodiversity, in addition to his age, put him at high risk of gambling harm.
“I can only imagine how difficult it was for the mother to come to us, and I commend her for doing so,” VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt said.
“I hope the outcomes and conclusion of these proceedings bring her some comfort, following the significant trauma she and her family have gone through.
“When industry is not diligent about complying with its legal and social obligations, the consequences for everyday Victorians can be serious and long lasting, which is why the VGCCC is determined to hold operators to account.”
The final case was heard before the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria on 13 February.
The matter resulted in a total of 98 charges and fines totally half a million dollars being issued. The other nine entities that were named included Tabcorp, Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group, Preston Hotel, Parkview Hotel, Olympic Hotel, Northcote TAB, Edwardes Lake Hotel, Duke of Edinburgh, and Coburg TAB.
The regulator described the case as the “most comprehensive” action it has taken to date against underage gambling.
“It is a venue’s responsibility to ensure minors do not access a designated gambling area, let alone gamble, no matter how determined or convincing a child might be,” Kimmitt said.
“We welcome the outcome of these court hearings, which bring to a close all prosecutions involving this family. Unfortunately, the family’s recovery from this experience is likely to take a lot longer and leave a painful scar.”