The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) fined three venues AU$60,000 in total for permitting gamblers to continue using pokies after the official hours...
Australian Operator Fined for Allowing Minors Access Slots
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) issued a fine of A$38K to Australian poker machine operator Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) after the company pleaded guilty to 6 charges involving minors entering slot machine areas.
ALH self-reported on these charges, mentioning that on 4 different occasions in 2024, minors entered their slot machine areas at 3 of its venues. VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan, who was appointed to the role in March, acknowledged it as a constructive action. But this doesn’t mean the company won’t face penalties for voluntary disclosure.
The press release of January 24, 2024, reported that a 17-year-old repeatedly accessed the gaming room at Cramers Hotel in Preston without being asked for identification, despite several interactions with hotel staff. The staff intervened the following day when the teenager placed personal belongings next to a slot machine, intending to gamble.
On April 24, 2024, a child entered the slot machine area at the Excelsior Hotel in Thomastown, accompanied by two adults. The child interacted with the gambling machine, sitting with one of the adults, until they were removed by staff.
On September 27, 2024, a 14-year-old entered the gaming room at the Mountain View Hotel in Glen Waverley, where he gambled before staff intervened.
Neilan warned that it is not sufficient for venues to respond after incidents occur. Proactive systems and staff training must be in place to prevent minors from accessing gaming floors. Suggested controls include prominent signage restricting slot machine rooms to adults and consistent ID checks for individuals who appear under the age of 25.
In addition to the A$ 38,000 fine, ALH must also pay A$ 40,000 in legal costs to the VGCCC. The court indicated that, had ALH not pleaded guilty, the penalty would have been A$90,000 and accompanied by a recorded criminal conviction.
Neilan highlighted the VGCCC’s continuing vigilance in prosecuting such breaches and repeated that prevention must be the priority for venue operators.
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