Victoria Regulator Fines $100K for Pokie Licence Misinformation

The Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has imposed a hefty $100,000 fine for licence misinformation.

Goulburn Valley Hotel in Shepparton provided false details during its poker machine licence application, violating state gambling laws.

What does this mean for Victoria’s gambling industry? It signals a no-nonsense approach to maintaining integrity and compliance.

Learn how this ruling aligns with new gambling regulations and what it means for operators across the state.

Victoria’s Gambling Regulator Cracks Down: $100K Fine for Pokie Licence Misinformation

Key Points

1. VGCCC fines Goulburn Valley Hotel $100,000 for failing to disclose critical information in its poker machine licence application.
2. The ruling highlights stricter compliance requirements and increased penalties for breaches in Victoria’s gambling sector.
3. The state government is considering tougher pokies regulations, including carded play and reduced deposit limits.

Victoria Regulator Issues $100K Fine for Pokie Licence Breach

The Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has issued a significant $100,000 fine to Goulburn Valley Hotel (GVH) in Shepparton. The penalty stems from false information provided during its application for a poker machine licence.

GVH applied to operate 40 poker machines at its venue in November 2022. However, the VGCCC discovered the hotel failed to disclose that its licence nominee had been found guilty of negligently dealing with the proceeds of crime in June 2022. While there was no conviction, the omission violated the Victoria Gambling Act 2003, which requires all criminal offences to be disclosed during licence applications.

VGCCC Reinforces Commitment to Gambling Integrity

VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt emphasized the importance of transparency in the licensing process.

“Providing accurate information is critical to ensuring the gambling industry remains safe, transparent, and free from criminal influence,” Kimmitt said.

The regulator considered GVH’s cooperation during the investigation but imposed additional licence and reporting conditions on the hotel and its associated operator, Pan Hotels.

“This $100,000 fine reflects the severity of the offence and sends a clear message to all operators about the importance of compliance,” Kimmitt added.

Victoria Tightens Pokie Regulations

This ruling comes as Victoria’s parliament considers a new bill that aims to tighten regulations on pokies across the state.

Key provisions in the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024 include:

• Reduced deposit limits: Players will be limited to a maximum deposit of $100 at one time.
• Mandatory carded play: Gamblers will need to use a player card to access pokies, starting with a pilot program in mid-2025.
• Phased implementation: Carded play will become mandatory across all venues by 2027.

The bill, which passed its first reading on 26 November, aims to curb problem gambling and enhance oversight of gaming operations.

A Wake-Up Call for the Industry

The VGCCC’s fine against GVH demonstrates Victoria’s growing commitment to enforcing strict compliance measures in its gambling industry. Coupled with new legislative efforts, the state is setting a higher bar for transparency and accountability.

Operators are now on notice: failure to adhere to regulations or provide complete information during licence applications will result in severe penalties. As Victoria moves toward more controlled gambling practices, the VGCCC’s actions serve as a critical reminder of the importance of integrity in the gaming sector.

The VGCCC’s $100,000 fine sends a strong message about the importance of compliance in Victoria’s gambling industry. With tougher regulations on the horizon, operators must prioritize transparency and responsible gaming practices to align with the state’s evolving standards. By holding licensees accountable and implementing forward-thinking legislation, Victoria is leading the charge in creating a safer and more transparent gambling environment.