The Flying Horse in regional Victoria has felt the wrath of the VGCCC, copping the watchdog’s “largest fine” for its failure to comply with its gambling licence obligations.
In February 2024 inspectors twice attended the Warrnambool Horse Hotel P/L, which trades as the Flying Horse Bar and Brewery.
Inspectors found multiple breaches of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic), such as inadequate CCTV footage and staffing, and similar misdoings regarding its Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct.
Considering the nature and volume of offences, the Commission fined the hotel a record $150k.
“The severity of this fine reflects the seriousness of the venue’s shortcomings,” says Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission CEO Suzy Neilan.
“It is the largest fine issued to a club or hotel for these types of offences.”
Four categories of breaches of the Gambling Regulation Act were detected, being:
- On 12 occasions (29 January-20 February 2024) there was no licenced Gambling Industry Employee (GIE) rostered at the venue
- Failure to retain CCTV footage of the gaming area for 28 days
- Failure to maintain a CCTV system that can record the gaming area continuously (24/7)
- Failure to maintain an unclaimed winnings register that detailed unclaimed money
Breaches of the Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct included:
- 22 occasions when there was no Responsible Gambling Officer (RGO) in the poker machine area while the machines were available for use
- Three instances of staff failing to interact with a patron showing signs of distress potentially related to gambling harm
- Serving a drink to a patron using a poker machine without venue staff interaction
- A working staff member playing machines using residual credits
In August 2025 the venue was fined $6k after operators pleaded guilty to four charges of allowing minors to enter the gaming room.
While the VGCCC acknowledges the operators cooperated with the investigation and have implemented remedial measures, including further training, continuous CCTV and an unclaimed winnings register, Neilan says these are not “new or onerous” requirements.
“Venue staff play an important role in protecting people from potentially experiencing gambling harm and all employees must take this responsibility seriously.”
Read the VGCCC’s reasons for its decision HERE.
The governing body invites anyone with concerns about the behaviour or activity of a gambling provider to lodge a complaint or tip-off with the VGCCC. People who feel negatively affected by their own or someone else’s gambling are encouraged to call the 24/7 Gambler’s Helpline on 1800 858 858.
