The Victorian regular has hit ALH with multiple fines totalling $177,500 over charges relating to a minor repeatedly playing EGMs, and for inadequate supervision of gaming rooms.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) issued charges against Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) for allowing a teenager to gamble on multiple occasions between September 2022 to October 2023.
This took place at five of ALH’s roughly 90 Victorian venues: the Albion Charles Hotel, Cramers Hotel, Doncaster Hotel, Excelsior Hotel and Rose Shamrock & Thistle Hotel.
ALH pleaded guilty to 24 charges, based in allowing a minor to gamble, allow a minor in a poker machine area, and for failing to ensure electronic betting terminals were reasonably supervised at all times.
Further to these charges, investigators learned that in August 2023 an 8-year-old child – in the company of an adult – was not prevented from entering the gaming room at ALH’s Westside Taverner. Staff spoke to the adult, asked them to leave the area, and reported the incident to the VGCCC.
In Victoria minors are not permitted to be in gambling areas, even when accompanied.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM reiterated that the Commission has “zero tolerance” for operators that flout the law, especially when children are involved, and welcomed the Magistrate’s decision.
“It is well established that minors who gamble are more likely to experience severe harm from gambling as adults. All venues therefore have a legal and social obligation to protect children from that risk.”
Kimmitt added that while they commended Westside Taverner staff for intervening when they became aware, it is “never acceptable for a child to gain access” to these areas.
The fines handed to ALH broke down as $175K for the teenager and $2.5K for the child, but the pub group was also ordered to pay the VGCCC $45,000 in costs.
This prosecution was part of an ongoing strategy adopted by the VGCCC toward allowing minors to gamble, which has penalised multiple venues: Preston Hotel ($25,300), Parkview Hotel ($5,220), Brunswick Club ($8,720), Olympic Hotel ($8,820), Northcote TAB Agency ($9,960), and Edwardes Lakes Hotel in Reservoir ($9,900).
The regulator has also slammed gaming corporation Tabcorp, previously fined $370,417 for similar breaches, and a whopping $4.6 million for repeated “systemic” breaches between August 2020 and February 2023, in relation to the Wagering and Betting Licence and Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct.
Two actions initiated by the VGCCC are still before the Magistrates’ Court.
The VGCCC encourages anyone concerned about minors being allowed to gamble to contact them on 1300 599 759 or via the website.
