VGCCC reminds operators about Good Friday and ANZAC Day gambling rules
The VGCCC says it fined 14 venue operators for operating electronic gaming machines outside of nominated trading hours last year.
Australia.- As the Good Friday and ANZAC Day public holidays approach, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has warned pubs and clubs to respect nominated trading hours for gambling machines. It reminded operators that they could face fines for letting customers use machines outside of permitted hours.
VGCCC CEO, Suzy Neilan, said 14 venue operators were fined a total of AU$195,000 (US$118k) last year and that four other venues received warnings for operating electronic gaming machines (EGMs) outside of nominated trading hours.
The VGCCC fined the Melbourne Racing Club AU$60,000 over three venues that allowed EGM use before noon on Good Friday. The venues were Steeples, The Coach and Horses, and Peninsula Club.
The Hoppers Crossing Club Limited was fined AU$30,000 for breaching the rules on both Good Friday and ANZAC Day, which resulted in AU$22,234 in poker machine revenue. The Sale & District Greyhound Racing Club received a warning for breaking rules on ANZAC Day.
Neilan said: “In Victoria, the availability of poker machines is restricted to a venue’s liquor licence hours, which may have additional restrictions on them on Good Friday, ANZAC Day and Christmas Day. With Good Friday almost upon us, I strongly advise venues to ensure they know, understand and comply with the obligations of their licence and only operate their poker machines during permitted hours.”
When deciding penalties, the VGCCC considers how long venues allowed gambling outside of permitted hours, how much revenue was generated and past compliance. As of August 2024, venues must close machine areas daily between 4am and 10am. Venues approved by RSL Victoria can offer two-up on ANZAC Day and during commemorative events in the week leading up to it.
