Melbourne, Australia – The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has taken enforcement action against 12 gaming venues for breaching poker machine operating hour restrictions, issuing fines and censure warnings following violations on Good Friday and ANZAC Day.
Enforcement Actions
- Nine venues fined for allowing play outside permitted trading hours:
- Clayton RSL – AUD $15,000 (largest penalty)
- Brunswick Club – AUD $12,000
- Freccia Azzurra Club – AUD $5,000
- Kerang Sports & Entertainment Venue – AUD $5,000
- Lakes Entrance RSL – AUD $3,000
- Mansfield Golf Club – AUD $3,000
- Sebastopol Bowling Club – AUD $5,000
- Moonee Ponds Club – AUD $5,000
- Sunbury United Sporting Club – AUD $5,000
- Three venues censured:
- The Bridge Hotel
- Swan Hill Club
- Sunbury Bowling Club
The VGCCC reminded operators that poker machine hours are strictly aligned with liquor license conditions, with additional restrictions applying on public holidays.
Broader Regulatory Context
The penalties follow a series of recent enforcement actions in Victoria:
- Crown Melbourne was fined after an excluded gambler played for nearly 15 hours without intervention.
- Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group was penalized in October for underage gambling violations.
The VGCCC emphasized that compliance with operating hour restrictions is critical to maintaining responsible gambling standards across the state.
