The Victorian Gaming and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC ) has issued show cause notices to two gaming venue operators after it was discovered they were providing patrons access to electronic gaming machines outside of permitted hours of operation.
The breaches relate to eight separate venues, with the operators failing to comply with requirements to only open their gaming room within hours outlined in their liquor licenses and ensure there is at least one continuous four-hour break from gaming every 24 hours.
The operators in question have 28 days to respond and explain why disciplinary action – which could include fines, a change in their license conditions or even cancellation or suspension of their license – should not be taken.
The VGCCC said it discovered the breaches through ongoing monitoring of EGM data, which tracks a number of compliance indicators, including
play occurring on EGMs outside the permitted hours of operation, EGMs not connected to the pre-commitment system, and activity that is suggestive of money laundering.
“Venue operators should know by now that we will not tolerate failure to provide gambling services responsibly,” said VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt.
“Venue operators are on notice to ensure they observe the trading hours for their electronic gaming machines as noted on their licenses.
“These notices are a warning to venue operators all over Victoria that we are monitoring data from their electronic gaming machines and will uncover breaches.”
Separately, the VGCCC said it has identified seven metropolitan local government areas (LGAs) where 24-hour gambling is available to the community due to different venues having staggered closing times, while a third of all state LGAs provide access to gambling for more than 22 hours a day.
The Victorian government recently unveiled plans to prevent this by implementing a standard closing period for all venues between 4am and 10am, with the exception of the casino at Crown Melbourne.
