The owner of a Victorian hotel has agreed to sell the establishment and exit the gambling industry after he was fined AU$80,000 (US$52,320) for two serious integrity breaches involving its gaming machines.
According to details provided by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), senior staff at the Rye Hotel – located on the Mornington Peninsula outside of Melbourne – falsified records to cover up an erroneous cash payment of AU$2,039 (US$1,335) to a patron. Venues are required to pay any winnings over AU$2,000 (US$1,310) by cheque or EFTPOS, with the VGCCC stating that the attempted cover up of the breach constitutes serious integrity failings and misconduct.
In a second incident, the venue issued a cheque to an ineligible person at the request of a winning patron who could not produce ID to collect their winnings. Venues are required to ensure they only process payments to the person playing the electronic gaming machine and ensure the appropriate identity checks are undertaken, the regulator explained.
On top of the significant fine, the VGCCC said it has also required an undertaking from the owner to sell the Rye Hotel and exit the gambling industry.
“Venue operators and owners need to understand the full extent of consequences for falsifying records and concealing misconduct,” said VGCCC CEO, Annette Kimmitt.
“We know that honest mistakes happen. However, venue operators that attempt to cover up breaches will be caught and face serious repercussions.”
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