The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) $177,500 after the company admitted to 24 charges involving underage gambling and insufficient oversight of electronic betting terminals. The charges stem from incidents at several ALH venues in Victoria, where minors were able to gamble and access pokie machine areas, which are strictly restricted to adults. The breaches took place over a series of months, leading to the significant penalty imposed on ALH.
Teenager Allowed to Gamble Across Multiple Venues
Between September 2022 and October 2023, a teenager was allowed to gamble at five ALH venues in Victoria, including the Albion Charles Hotel, Cramers Hotel, Doncaster Hotel, Excelsior Hotel, and the Rose Shamrock & Thistle Hotel. The VGCCC’s investigation found that ALH failed to prevent the minor from accessing gambling areas, leading to a significant breach of regulations.
Child Gained Access to Pokie Machine Area
In another incident in August 2023, an eight-year-old child, who was with an adult, was found in the pokie machine area at Westside Taverner, an ALH-operated venue. Staff members intervened promptly and informed the VGCCC of the breach. Despite the quick response, the incident resulted in additional fines, as Victorian law strictly forbids minors from being in designated gambling areas.
The penalties imposed on ALH included $175,000 for the incidents involving the underage teenager and $2,500 for the situation with the eight-year-old. In addition to these fines, ALH was also required to pay $45,000 to cover the VGCCC's legal expenses.
VGCCC's Zero-Tolerance Stance on Underage Gambling
The VGCCC has emphasized its zero-tolerance approach when it comes to underage gambling violations. According to VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM, minors who engage in gambling are more likely to experience severe harm later in life. She reiterated that all venues have both a legal and social responsibility to protect children from the risks associated with gambling.
In this case, the VGCCC praised the quick response of Westside Taverner's staff but reiterated that such breaches should never occur in the first place. Kimmitt expressed her support for the fines imposed, underlining the commission’s commitment to holding operators accountable for failures to comply with gambling regulations.
A History of VGCCC Fines for Regulatory Breaches
The fine imposed on ALH is part of a broader crackdown by the VGCCC on gambling operators who violate regulations. Over the past year, several venues and operators have faced significant penalties for failing to adhere to the state’s strict gambling laws.
Notable fines issued by the VGCCC include:
- Tabcorp: Fined $370,417 for allowing a 17-year-old to gamble at multiple venues from May 2022 to October 2023.
- Preston Hotel: Penalized $25,300 for underage gambling breaches.
- Parkview Hotel: Fined $5,220 for failing to prevent minors from accessing gambling areas.
- The Brunswick Club: Received an $8,720 fine for regulatory violations related to underage gambling.
- The Olympic Hotel: Penalized $8,820 for allowing a minor into a restricted gambling area.
- Northcote TAB Agency: Fined $9,960 for underage gambling violations.
- Edwardes Lakes Hotel: Issued a $9,900 fine for regulatory breaches related to gambling control.
These fines represent the VGCCC’s ongoing efforts to enforce strict compliance with gambling laws and safeguard minors from exposure to gambling activities, both at land-based venues and through online casinos in Australia. Two additional cases involving regulatory breaches are currently pending before the Magistrates' Court.
ALH's Response to the Fines
In response to the recent fines, ALH’s parent company, Endeavour Group, acknowledged the supervision failures and reiterated its commitment to improving oversight at its venues. The company expressed regret for the incidents and stated that it takes its responsible gambling obligations seriously.
While the intervention by staff at Westside Taverner was noted as a positive step, the incidents serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges operators face in ensuring minors are protected from gambling harm. ALH has committed to strengthening its policies and practices to prevent future breaches.
VGCCC's Continued Focus on Compliance
The VGCCC has made it clear that it will continue to take a hardline approach to gambling regulation breaches, particularly when minors are involved. The public is encouraged to report concerns about underage gambling or other regulatory violations through the commission’s official channels.
This recent prosecution, along with fines levied against other operators, underscores the importance of compliance within the gambling industry in Victoria. With the VGCCC maintaining a strong enforcement stance, operators must remain vigilant to avoid significant penalties and uphold their responsibilities to protect vulnerable individuals.
