Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) has been fined AU$38,000 without conviction for offences involving three minors.
ALH self-reported the breaches, which occurred over four dates in 2024. It also pled guilty to six charges which, Suzy Neilan, CEO of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) said was a positive step.
“Being accountable for wrongdoing demonstrates integrity, which has been a focus of the VGCCC’s ongoing work with gambling operators,” she said.
“But it’s not enough to own up after the fact. Venues must be proactive about ensuring that minors do not access poker machine areas by ensuring they have in place appropriate systems, processes and staff.
“Operators should undertake a risk assessment and put in place controls to prevent minors from entering gambling areas. Some examples of controls could include displaying clear signage that the poker machine room is for adults only and checking the identification of anyone who appears under 25 years of age.”
In addition to the fine, the Magistrate ordered ALH to pay VGCCC’s legal costs of $40,000. The Magistrate also noted that but for the guilty plea, he would have fined ALH $90,000 and recorded a criminal conviction.
