Sports betting operators in the Australia province of Victoria will soon have to add restrictions on wagers they can accept, as the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) is banning wagers on “under 19” sporting events and on individual athletes who are under 18 years old.

Betting will still be permitted on “open” competitions – that is, sporting events that are not just for minors – but if a minor is playing, wagers can only be placed on a team result, not on individual players if said players are under 18. Additionally, prop bets are banned if a minor could factor into the result; the VGCCC gave the example of “first goal of the game.”

The VGCCC cites two main reasons for the regulatory change: general public interest and the protection of the integrity of the games.

We think minors deserve to be protected.”

“The idea that it is okay to bet on minors just doesn’t stand up,” said VGCCC chair Fran Thorn in Thursday’s announcement. “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.”

Operators have 60 days to comply with the new rule.