VGCCC Takes Action Against Multiple Venues for Poker Machine Trading Hour Breaches
VGCCC Takes Action Against Multiple Venues for Poker Machine Trading Hour Breaches
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has recently announced enforcement measures targeting 12 gaming venues due to violations of poker machine operating hours. Some venues faced fines for permitting gambling outside regulated hours, while others received formal warnings.
Details of the VGCCC Penalties
In an official statement, the VGCCC revealed that 9 venues allowed poker machine play beyond the allowed times during the 2025 Good Friday and ANZAC Day public holidays, both of which have strict restrictions on gambling hours.
The highest penalty was issued to Clayton RSL, which was fined AUD 15,000 for breaching these rules. Following that, The Brunswick Club received a fine totaling AUD 12,000.
Several other venues were also penalized: Freccia Azzurra Club and Kerang Sports and Entertainment Venue were each fined AUD 5,000. Lakes Entrance RSL and Mansfield Golf Club received fines of AUD 3,000 each. Additionally, Sebastopol Bowling Club, Moonee Ponds Club, and Sunbury United Sporting Club were each fined AUD 5,000.
Beyond the fines, the VGCCC issued official censure warnings to three venues, including The Bridge Hotel, Swan Hill Club, and Sunbury Bowling Club.
It is important to note that poker machine operating hours in Victoria are strictly regulated and must align with the venue’s liquor license hours. Restrictions are typically tightened for significant public holidays such as Good Friday and ANZAC Day.
Context on Recent Regulatory Enforcement in Victoria
These fines come shortly after the VGCCC fined Crown Melbourne following an incident where an excluded gambler was able to use casino facilities for nearly 15 hours without casino staff intervention. The casino only became aware of the situation after being informed by a VGCCC inspector.
Earlier in the year, the VGCCC also imposed penalties on the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group related to allowing underage gambling.
