The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined online bookmaker QuestBet $80,000 for continuing to accept bets from a customer displaying observable signs of gambling-related distress.

Announcing the fine, VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan said QuestBet’s non-compliance with its gambling harm minimisation obligations was indicative of a concerning culture.

“Our investigation of QuestBet’s practices found the bookmaker failed to have in place adequate systems to protect individuals identifiably at risk of gambling harm,” Ms Neilan said.

“Minimising gambling harm is an obligation every operator holds – including bookmakers – who must monitor customer wellbeing and intervene if they observe signs of distress.

“This substantial penalty demonstrates the seriousness of the bookmaker’s failure to meet its legal and moral obligations.”

The VGCCC investigation was prompted by a complaint from a customer who claimed QuestBet had allowed them to continue betting – and losing – a significant sum of money in a matter of weeks, without intervention.

“We found that between April and June 2023, the customer contacted QuestBet more than 20 times to request additional credits and bonus bets. On 6 occasions, they mentioned having experienced several large losses.

“This was a clear sign that the customer was struggling. A sign that QuestBet chose to ignore, instead encouraging and enabling the customer to keep gambling with the aid of bonus bets in 5 of the 6 occasions.

“Consequently, the customer lost about $15,000 over two months,” Ms Neilan said.

Staff of gambling operators must provide assistance to customers facing negative consequences from their gambling. There is a range of tools and resources staff might suggest to customers in this situation to assist them to, for example, set and track time and money limits, take a break, self-exclude or access help services.

“QuestBet suggested none of these, thereby breaching the Victorian Bookmakers’ Association Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct and causing further distress to the customer.

“Nor did the bookmaker formally respond to our request for an explanation for its lack of care or a reason not to be sanctioned, despite requesting, and being granted, several extensions to do so,” Ms Neilan said.

Rapidly expanding content provider continues European expansion with landmark Swedish license

Popular iGaming content provider BGaming is proud to announce it has been granted a license by the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen), marking a significant milestone in its ongoing European expansion.

The B2B license has been issued under the Decision of the Swedish Gambling Authority. It allows BGaming to provide its innovative portfolio of certified games to licensed operators in Sweden.

For the first time, players in Sweden will be able to enjoy BGaming’s exciting game catalogue. This includes popular titles like Merge Up and Aztec Clusters, as well as any new and exciting games that hit the market.

This entry into the Swedish market is a significant step forward in BGaming’s ongoing expansion. The Swedish market is renowned for its high standards of player protection and robust regulatory framework. It is also home to some of the most respected operators in the industry, creating a wealth of opportunities for BGaming.

BGaming’s Head of Legal & Compliance, Antanina Ivanova, said: “Securing approval to enter Sweden marks a significant milestone for us in one of Europe’s most competitive markets.

Our team is always working to ensure full compliance with the highest regulatory standards, and being granted entry into one of the industry’s toughest markets is a testament to this.

We look forward to partnering with leading operators in Sweden and introducing our distinctive gaming experiences to local players for the first time.”