BlueBet hit with a hefty AU$53,580 fine in recent crackdown

BlueBet recently encountered regulatory challenges in Australia, receiving a fine from the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission for not adhering to certain responsibility standards. This issue traces back to 2021.

BlueBet is facing serious scrutiny after allowing a single gambler to spend an alarming 11 hours betting non-stop, burning through AU$40,000 in one session. Over several months, this customer ended up wagering AU$700,000, losing a heart-wrenching amount of money during that time. In their oversight, BlueBet neglected the consumer protection standards essential for operating legally in the state. The regulatory body condemned this oversight as unacceptable and extremely concerning, leading to a hefty financial penalty. BlueBet is now facing a substantial AU$53,000 fine and must repay AU$522,020 to the affected customer. Despite the allegations, BlueBet insists it acted appropriately throughout. However, the situation took a troubling turn when the customer informed them of running out of gambling funds. Rather than offering assistance, BlueBet's VIP manager extended further betting opportunities, enticing the customer to continue playing. The regulatory authority criticized BlueBet for valuing its profits over the commitment to responsible gambling. Instead of truly monitoring the situation and practicing responsible gaming measures, BlueBet rewarded the gambler with VIP status and assigned them a personal account manager, whose earnings depended on the gambler's losses. Unfortunately, BlueBet isn't alone in these troubling practices. In Victoria, QuestBet faced a similar penalty for failing to intervene in another gambler's prolonged and damaging betting spree.

The fine imposed was substantial, amounting to AU$80,000, as the regulator highlighted that the individual exhibited clear signs of gambling-related distress. In the BlueBet incident, the regulator discovered a concerning lack of effort or communication from the VIP manager regarding the individual's gambling patterns. This inaction played a crucial role in the regulator's decision. BlueBet overlooked multiple chances to intervene effectively. It is disheartening to see that the burden of seeking help fell solely on the complainant, while BlueBet failed to proactively safeguard them from further harm, concluded the regulator.