Australian operators could face lawsuits

The Australian casino operator ALH Group has been accused of recording customers’ behaviours to gain profits.

Australia.- A new legal battle has shaken the Australian market as casino operator ALH Group could face a lawsuit due to accusations revealed by the MP Andrew Wilkie this week. As reported by the local press, the Australian company has been accused of recording gambling and drinking habits of its customers to maximise profits.

According to the MP Andrew Wilkie, who held a special session in the Australian Parliament this week, ALH Group’s staff recorded “customers’ gambling and drinking habits, favourite sporting teams and the ins and outs of regular gamblers’ lives in order to keep punters gambling and drinking at venues longer.”

“This practice undoubtedly increases revenue but it’s also immoral, possibly illegal, and directly fosters increased gaming addiction,” said Wilkie, quoted by local reporters. “Today’s revelations demonstrate just how low the poker industry stoops to create addicts. This is disgraceful behaviour and it should be called out.”

Meanwhile, the company answered: “There is a line which must be respected between legitimate customer service and loyalty initiatives that are part and parcel of every hospitality business and the requirements of the Responsible Service of Gaming and Responsible Service of Alcohol codes,” said the company in a statement.

“If there are instances where that line has been crossed ALH is committed to taking the necessary steps to rectify any breach and address any non-compliant behaviour.”