Tabcorp CEO Resigns

Tabcorp CEO Adam Rytenskild has resigned amid allegations of using inappropriate and offensive language in the workplace. The resignation follows a decline in revenue and a heavy net loss for Tabcorp in the first half of the financial year.

Summary

• Adam Rytenskild has resigned as CEO and managing director of Tabcorp after allegations of using “inappropriate and offensive” language.
• Rytenskild had served as CEO since May 2022 and had been with Tabcorp since 2000, working his way up the business.
• Tabcorp confirmed his resignation and stated that his language was inconsistent with company values.
• Rytenskild will receive termination payments in line with Australian law but will forfeit all unvested short-term and long-term incentive awards.
• Bruce Akhurst, the Company's chairman, will assume additional responsibilities as executive chairman while the search for a new Tabcorp CEO is underway.
• Tabcorp published its H1 results showing a decline in revenue and a heavy net loss, partly due to impairment charges of $852.0m.
• Despite the net loss, Tabcorp resolved a tax dispute and was awarded exclusive rights to wagering and betting in Victoria for the next 20 years.

Tabcorp to Shift Majority of EBTs to Cashless System

In a bid to combat the rising concern of underage gambling, the Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has mandated a significant change for Tabcorp. The regulatory body has ordered Tabcorp to transition approximately 70% of its electronic betting terminals (EBTs) in Victoria to operate exclusively with vouchers, rendering them cashless. This directive, set to take effect late January, applies to all EBTs except those within five meters and in the line of sight of the service counter.

To utilize these cashless machines, players will be required to purchase vouchers at the counter, where rigorous ID checks will ensure they meet the legal age requirements for gambling on EBTs. VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt firmly asserted, "It is inexcusable to accept a bet from a minor, and tougher actions are required to protect the community, especially children, from gambling harm."

The VGCCC's proactive approach further mandates that Tabcorp implement an independent "mystery shopper" program to validate venue compliance with stringent ID verification procedures. In the event of non-compliance, Tabcorp could face a range of escalating penalties, including converting all EBTs in non-compliant venues to vouchers for a period of six months and potentially terminating agreements with these venues.

This move by the VGCCC follows the imposition of 72 charges of underage gambling against Tabcorp and nine associated venues over the past eight months. These charges relate to permitting minors in gaming machine areas, underage gambling, and a lack of adequate EBT supervision. The first case was heard in December, resulting in a substantial AU$25,300 (£13,240/€15,398/US$16,873) fine for the Preston Hotel.

The VGCCC continues to crackdown on rule-breakers in Victoria, with operator Rumotel facing potential fines of up to AU$1.4m for alleged breaches of responsible gambling regulations. Rumotel's charges include failing to ensure a responsible gambling officer was consistently present on the gaming floor and improper maintenance of a responsible gambling register. These charges add to a growing list of allegations against the Tower Hotel operator.

As the VGCCC intensifies its efforts to protect the community, the Victoria gambling landscape undergoes substantial reform, emphasizing the importance of responsible gambling and ensuring minors are shielded from its harmful effects. The next legal proceedings are scheduled for January 24th in the Melbourne magistrates court.

Tabcorp Fined $15,000 For Violating Gambling Regulations

Tabcorp, a prominent player in Australia's gambling industry, has recently found itself in hot water due to breaches of gambling regulations in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria. The sportsbetting company has been slapped with fines and is under increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies, all while the gambling landscape undergoes a period of heightened vigilance.

Trouble Down Under: The NSW Fines

In a recent case in NSW, Tabcorp incurred a significant AUD$15,000 fine for violating advertising regulations on its website. The offending advertisement contained an enticing call to gamble, readily visible to all visitors, irrespective of their account status.

The Downing Centre Local Court's ruling left no room for ambiguity. It declared that this blatant visibility was a direct violation of NSW regulations. This verdict elicited disappointment from Jane Lin, the Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at Liquor & Gaming NSW.

Lin emphasized the expectations that come with the territory for a corporation of Tabcorp's stature. She stressed the need for robust internal controls to prevent the inadvertent exposure of the public to gambling inducements.

While gambling promotions can legally target existing betting account holders, it is expressly prohibited to entice individuals to open new accounts or engage in gambling. Additionally, NSW law bars any inducements related to account referrals, maintaining accounts, or consenting to receive gambling advertising. Violators of these regulations can face fines of up to $100,000, with those responsible for publishing prohibited ads potentially being fined up to $11,000.

Victorian Woes: The $1 Million Fine

Tabcorp's troubles extend beyond NSW, reaching into Victoria. The company recently faced a staggering $1 million fine for its conduct during a system outage in 2020, specifically during the Spring Racing Carnival.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission did not mince words in its critique of Tabcorp. They chastised the company for its failure to provide essential information about the outage and its behavior during the subsequent investigation. The regulator singled out Tabcorp for its "repeated failure" to adhere to instructions, leading to the imposition of this record-breaking fine.

Implications and the Road Ahead

Tabcorp's recent run-ins with regulatory bodies send a clear message about the importance of adhering to gambling regulations in Australia. As the gambling landscape evolves, with increased scrutiny and stricter compliance standards, industry players must remain vigilant and ensure they stay on the right side of the law.

The fines levied against Tabcorp in NSW and Victoria serve as stark reminders of the consequences that await those who fail to comply with the ever-evolving regulations governing the gambling industry in Australia. As Jane Lin aptly put it, maintaining robust internal controls and a watchful eye on advertising practices are paramount for corporations of Tabcorp's caliber.

In conclusion, Tabcorp's recent fines highlight the need for all players in the Australian gambling industry to take compliance seriously. With hefty fines and reputational damage at stake, it's clear that operating within the boundaries of the law is not just good practice; it's essential for the industry's sustainability and integrity.

Tabcorp's Record AU$1 Million Fine in Victoria Over Historic System Outage

In a landmark decision, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has imposed a record-breaking fine of AU$1 million on Tabcorp for its conduct during a major system outage that occurred in 2020. This incident sent shockwaves through the gambling industry, sportsbetting groups and raised serious questions about the company's ability to meet regulatory requirements.

The System Outage

Tabcorp's Wagering and Betting System (WBS) experienced a critical failure on November 7, 2020, coinciding with that year's Spring Racing Carnival. The consequences were significant, with the service remaining unavailable for approximately 36 hours. This extended downtime had far-reaching implications, as the Wagering and Betting Licence and Agreement clearly stipulates that the WBS must be continuously available to ensure fair and consistent gambling experiences for consumers.

The VGCCC, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing such matters, launched an investigation into the incident. However, Tabcorp's initial response to this inquiry left much to be desired, as it failed to provide sufficient information voluntarily. As a result, the regulator was forced to issue directions to compel Tabcorp to cooperate.

Tabcorp's Response

Criticism was leveled at Tabcorp for not adequately cooperating with the VGCCC during the investigation. This lack of cooperation hindered the regulator's ability to ascertain the root cause of the major outage and raised concerns about the company's commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future.

Subsequent investigations by the VGCCC revealed that Tabcorp had failed to comply with the first directive. The company did not respond to affirm that the WBS business continuity and disaster recovery plans put in place following the outage were "fit for purpose." Furthermore, Tabcorp's response to the second direction was tardy, submitted four months after the deadline.

A Record Fine

In a stern ruling, the VGCCC declared that the seriousness of Tabcorp's breach warranted a record fine. The regulator cited Tabcorp's "repeated failure" to comply with directions and stressed its commitment to upholding the integrity of the industry.

VGCCC Chair Fran Thorn expressed the commission's stance, saying, "We will not tolerate licensees that are not forthcoming and cooperative when the Commission investigates. All entities we regulate, no matter how big or small, have an obligation to be open and honest with the Commission and responsive to its lawfully issued directions. We will not tolerate attempts to frustrate our investigations."

Regulatory Crackdown in Victoria

Tabcorp is the latest operator to face the VGCCC's disciplinary measures. This reflects the regulator's determination to tackle breaches and uphold the highest standards in the industry.

In the previous month, the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) faced a $550,000 fine for violating state rules on gambling control. The breach involved 220 gaming machines operating without the mandatory YourPlay pre-commitment technology, a requirement for all licensees in the state.

August saw BlueBet charged with breaching advertising rules, potentially incurring a fine of up to $945,187. The operator has three gambling ads on show on billboards in Victoria, a breach of state laws that prohibit such advertising in specific locations, including public transport infrastructure and areas near schools.

Sweeping Reforms

These actions by the VGCCC coincide with sweeping reforms in Victoria aimed at curbing the potential harms associated with gambling. The state recently implemented a ban on betting on all youth sport competitions, and a suite of new gambling reforms is in the pipeline. These reforms were initiated following the Royal Commission's inquiry into malpractice at Crown Melbourne, which deemed the casino "unsuitable" to hold a license in the state and uncovered unethical conduct.

Additionally, the VGCCC recently issued a reminder to gaming operators to stop using sports club partnerships to get new players to come to thier online gamblinmg site. Some operators were offering incentives that violated Victoria's gambling rules, including financial rewards for club members who signed up for gambling accounts.

In conclusion, the VGCCC's imposition of a record AU$1 million fine on Tabcorp serves as a stark reminder of the regulator's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the gambling industry in Victoria. The incident highlights the need for all operators, regardless of their size, to cooperate fully with regulatory authorities and adhere to established guidelines to ensure the safety and fairness of gambling activities in the state.