Victoria gambling regulator to ban betting on youth events

The gambling regulator of the Australian state of Victoria has announced plans to ban betting on youth events.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) will ban betting on all under 19 sports competitions, as well as betting on the performance of individual players who are under 18 in junior and senior sport.

The ban does not affect betting on team outcomes in senior sports where minors may be playing.

“The idea that it is okay to bet on minors just doesn’t stand up,” said VGCCC chair Fran Thorn. “We think minors deserve to be protected. It also raises integrity issues, with the prospect of people attempting to influence how minors might behave playing sport.”

Sport governing bodies and betting providers will have 60 days to comply with the new requirements.