An Australian tribunal has upheld enforcement action against online bookmaker partner OkeBet. It confirmed breaches of Victorian gambling laws related to self-exclusion protections and prohibited inducements.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) ruled in favor of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC). VCAT affirmed that OkeBet unlawfully marketed to self-excluded individuals. Additionally, OkeBet used community sporting clubs to promote betting through banned incentives. The decision reinforces regulatory expectations around consumer protection and responsible marketing practices.
Tribunal Upholds VGCCC Enforcement Action
VCAT dismissed OkeBet’s appeal and confirmed disciplinary measures imposed by the VGCCC in September 2024. At that time, the regulator fined OkeBet AU$100,000. The VGCCC also formally censured the company for breaching the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic).
The VGCCC found that OkeBet had sent promotional gambling materials to individuals who had opted out of wagering. OkeBet had encouraged new betting account registrations through local sporting organizations. These actions directly contravened state rules designed to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent harmful inducement practices.
Regulator Raises Concerns Over Community Impact
VGCCC chief executive Suzy Neilan said the regulator acted after identifying serious risks to both self-excluded individuals and community groups.
“We were concerned that OkeBet were taking advantage of community sporting clubs and exposing their supporters to gambling harm,” Neilan said. She also highlighted concerns that self-excluded people continued to receive gambling promotions, despite having clearly opted out of wagering activity.
According to Neilan, the ruling sends a strong message about the need to protect community institutions from being used as marketing channels for gambling. Local clubs, she noted, play a central role in community life. Therefore, clubs should not be leveraged to promote wagering—particularly where prohibited inducements are involved.
Strict Rules on Inducements and Self-Exclusion
Under Victorian regulations, wagering service providers are prohibited from offering credit, vouchers, rewards, or other benefits as inducements to open betting accounts. Operators must also ensure that self-excluded individuals do not receive any gambling-related promotional material.
VCAT’s written reasons emphasized that self-exclusion represents a clear withdrawal of consent to receive gambling marketing. The Tribunal further noted evidence showing that some self-excluded individuals experienced harm after receiving OkeBet’s promotional materials. This included reports of significant mental distress.
Strong Signal to the Wagering Sector
The decision strengthens the VGCCC’s position on enforcement and highlights the regulator’s focus on minimizing gambling harm. Neilan said the outcome serves as a reminder that wagering providers must meet both the letter and spirit of the law.
“This decision serves as an important reminder to wagering service providers that they must comply with the law and minimize gambling harm,” she said.
Overall, the ruling underscores increasing regulatory scrutiny in Australia and reinforces expectations that operators maintain robust systems. This is important to prevent marketing to self-excluded individuals and avoid inducement practices—especially when working with community organizations.
