Victoria Fines Australian Leisure and Hospitality $500,000

This week it was revealed that the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has issued a hefty $500,000 AUD fine to Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group for breaking gambling regulations in the Australian state.

The fine comes after an investigation that started in late 2021 after an anonymous tip came in against the company. As a result, the regulator inspected all ALH gaming venues across the state, identifying 220 slot machines that were operating without the YourPlay management software. The software sets time limits, money limits, and allows players to keep track of their gameplay.

VGCCC has gone on to claim that the breaches were serious and that the breaches were willful. A magistrate overlooking the case agreed, and as a result the company was fined $500,000 AUD as well as paying legal cost of $50,000 AUD. The casino did cooperate by pleading guilty and has enacted the fixes on the machine, which helped in their favor.

Regarding the case, VGCCC CEO Annettee Kimmitt said, "This outcome demonstrates the VGCCC's commitment to pursuing those operators who opportunistically or deliberately contravene their obligations to protect the community from gambling harm.

"Gambling providers need to pay close attention to their obligations because the consequences for getting it wrong can be significant."