Key Moments:
- The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has cautioned clubs and hotels to ensure compliance with trading hours as Christmas draws near.
- Earlier in the year, 12 venues in Victoria faced combined fines and censure notices totaling AU$58,000 (€36,540) for gaming hour violations on significant days.
- Clayton RSL incurred the largest individual fine of AU$15,000 (€9,450) after a repeat breach involving poker machine operation beyond permitted hours.
Regulator Issues Pre-Holiday Warning
Victoria’s gambling authorities have encouraged local clubs and hotels to reassess their trading schedules as the busy Christmas period approaches. Additionally, they highlighted the need for early adherence to legal requirements. Suzy Neilan, CEO of the VGCCC, emphasized the expected surge in activity during this period. She also underlined the importance of verifying trading hour compliance ahead of the holidays.
Recent Enforcement Actions and Penalties
The VGCCC’s recent warning follows a series of enforcement steps undertaken earlier in the year. A total of 12 venues in Victoria were sanctioned for breaking permissible gaming hours during special dates such as Good Friday and ANZAC Day. These infractions resulted in a total of AU$58,000 (€36,540) in fines and formal reprimands.
In addition, a detailed breakdown of actions shows that nine venues faced monetary penalties. Three others received formal censures without financial consequences. Among them, Clayton RSL received the heaviest fine of AU$15,000 (€9,450) after poker machines were in use past 11:30 pm on Good Friday, registering AU$2,444 (€1,540) in net turnover. This violation added to a previous incident of non-compliance by the same venue in 2024.
| Venue | Penalty Type | Fine (AU$) | Fine (€) | Infraction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton RSL | Financial Penalty | 15,000 | 9,450 | Poker machines used past 11:30 pm on Good Friday |
| 11 Other Venues | Financial Penalties/Censure | Varied | Varied | Trading hour breaches on Good Friday and ANZAC Day |
Compliance Expectations for Culturally Significant Days
Trading hours for gaming operations on holidays are directly linked to venue liquor license permissions. Venues are obliged to ensure that poker machine activity matches the timeframe allowed for alcohol service. The VGCCC investigation highlighted that twelve clubs had violated these regulations on Good Friday, while Kerang Bowling Club and The Bridge Hotel in Mordialloc were found in breach on ANZAC Day.
Suzy Neilan remarked, “Trading restrictions on days like Good Friday and ANZAC Day reflect the significance many people in the community place on these dates. It is important that we reflect community expectations and ensure that venues comply with the law.”
Commitment to Responsible Gambling Practices
The VGCCC has clarified that its enforcement strategy is designed not merely to penalize but to promote a fair and responsible gambling industry, safeguarding both business operators and the broader community. The agency is encouraging venues to review their trading hours proactively to avoid infractions, especially as the festive season brings heightened patron activity and potential compliance risks.
The commission is also calling on the public to report any suspected breaches, and support is available through the 24/7 Gambler’s Helpline at 1800 858 858 for those impacted by gambling issues. Details of enforcement actions are available on the VGCCC’s official website, supporting transparency and accountability across the sector.
As the Christmas season approaches, the VGCCC reiterates the imperative for operators to respect community sentiment and legal guidelines, reinforcing that all necessary steps must be taken to maintain lawful and responsible gambling practices.
- Author
Daniel Williams
