The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has issued a warning ahead of the ANZAC day and Good Friday public holidays regarding penalties for the use of poker machines outside permitted trading hours.
An announcement was made today by the new VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan of fourteen venue operators across Victoria who were fined a total of $195K for breaches made this time last year, along with an additional four venues who were issued censure warnings.
In her statement, Neilan reminded venues that poker machines can only be made available during a venue’s liquor licence hours, which may be further limited 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,” she said.
Melbourne Racing Club was fined $60K for three venues that permitted the use of poker machines before noon on Good Friday, while Hoppers Crossing Club was fined $30K for breaches that had generated the club over $22K in EGM turnover across the two public holidays.
Riversdale Hotel was issued a $10K fine for its breaches, while the Court House Hotel in Bacchus Marsh and the Camden Town Hotel were each issued fines of $6K. Rubicon Hotel was fined $3,000.
For each fine, the VGCCC considers factors such as the venue’s history of compliance, how much revenue was generated, along with the length of time the machines were available outside of the permitted hours.
The VGCCC also took the opportunity to remind venues of the new laws, effective from August 2024, which require venues to close poker machine areas between 4 and 10am daily.
Two-up on ANZAC Day and during commemorative functions in the week leading up to the day can still be offered by venues approved by RSL Victoria.
Further Information is available at the VGCCC website or by phone on 1300 599 759.
