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The VGCCC is committed to working with the gaming industry to help them understand the responsibilities that come with being a registered bookmaker’s key employee. This page is a starting point, but it's up to you to make sure you're aware of all your responsibilities as stated under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (the Act).
A bookmaker’s key employee is a person who is:
Please note: the VGCCC has not specified any other activities at this time.
The duration of a key employee’s registration is up to 10 years, subject to the conditions specified in the registration, and unless cancelled, surrendered or suspended.
Once approval is granted, you will be given a set of directions, which gives you ongoing responsibilities that includes notifying the VGCCC of any changes to your registration.
The VGCCC will issue a certificate of registration and an identity card to the registration holder. You must display the identity card at all times while working as a key employee in Victoria.
You must be able to produce your registration certificate and identity card if requested by a member of the police or compliance inspector. Failure to comply may result in a fine.
If you have lost or damaged your registration identity card (ID), you will need to write to the VGCCC to obtain a replacement. In addition, you will need to provide a statutory declaration listing details of how the ID card was lost or damaged.
A statutory declaration can be made at your local police station and then forward document to the VGCCC, GPO Box 1988, Melbourne, VIC 3001.Ensure that you have kept a copy for your records. Once we have received your letter and declaration, a replacement identity card will be sent to you.
You must return the certificate of registration and identity card to the VGCCC within 14 days of your registration being cancelled or suspended. The penalty is up to 20 penalty units and/or an on the spot fine of two penalty units.
The key employee registration is only valid in Victoria and cannot be used in other states or territories. If you are from another state or territory, you must apply for registration to the VGCCC to be able to work in Victoria in the local racing industry.
You will receive a reminder with an application for renewal of your registration three months before it expires.
To ensure you receive this reminder you must advise the VGCCC of any changes to your residential address in writing within 14 days of the change occurring. Failure to notify the VGCCC of any changes may result in prosecution and a fine of 60 penalty units.
You must advise the VGCCC within 14 days if a change in circumstances occurs, this includes the commencement of bankruptcy proceedings or debt agreement. Failure to notify could result in disciplinary action being taken against you.
The VGCCC will assess the cause and circumstances of your bankruptcy before deciding if there is a ground for disciplinary action against you. You will be advised in writing and given the opportunity to provide further information within 28 days of the receipt of letter why disciplinary action should not be taken.
It is an offence for a registered bookmaker’s key employee to allow a minor to gamble. A breach of this provision is a penalty of 20 penalty units.
This guide is a starting point, it is your responsibility to make sure you are aware of all your obligations under the Act. If you do not comply, you may be fined or have your registration cancelled or suspended.
Grounds for disciplinary action include:
A relevant offence in relation to a registered bookmaker’s key employee means an:
The VGCCC will advise you in writing if disciplinary action will be taken against you. You will be given an opportunity to provide further information or respond to the disciplinary action within 28 days of the receipt of the letter.
A key employee that is registered by the VGCCC can perform the duties of a bookmaker’s substitute, if they have been approved by Racing Victoria Limited, Harness Racing Victoria or Greyhound Racing Victoria.
An approved substitute is responsible for the same duties as a registered bookmaker, and subject to the same disciplinary action.
It is an offence to work as a substitute bookmaker without prior approval, and disciplinary action may be taken against both the key employee and their employer. The breach may be taken into account with any future applications.
If you no longer wish to work to be registered as a key employee, you will need to notify the VGCCC in writing. You must return the certificate of registration and identity card along with your notification of resignation within 14 days. Failure to do so may result in a fine.
An applicant may appeal the decision of the Commission at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). A person whose interests are affected, may apply to VCAT for review of a decision to:
The appeal must be lodged within 28 days of the Commission’s decision: