A prominent Australian entertainment conglomerate, the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH), has received a substantial financial penalty for neglecting to safeguard its customers from the dangers of gambling. The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) levied a $550,000 sanction against the corporation after uncovering that 62 of their establishments, housing in excess of 200 gaming machines, were not utilizing a compulsory pre-commitment program known as YourPlay.
This program, a legal obligation in Victoria, empowers players to establish constraints on their expenditures and gaming duration, offering a vital safeguard against gambling dependency. The VGCCC initiated its inquiry in November 2022, ultimately accusing ALH on 62 counts of failing to deploy this essential technology.
ALH admitted guilt to the accusations, acknowledging their lapse in upholding their duty. While a maximum penalty of $1.35 million was feasible, the judge opted for a reduced fine, recognizing ALH’s collaboration. Nevertheless, in addition to the $550,000, ALH was also directed to cover $50,000 of the VGCCC’s legal expenditures.
Annette Kimmitt, Chief Executive Officer of the VGCCC, expressed approval of the court’s ruling, stressing the significance of discouraging such irresponsible conduct. This result, she declared, conveys a clear message that the VGCCC is dedicated to holding gaming providers responsible for prioritizing financial gains over the welfare of their clientele and the public.
The Victorian Gaming Authority is investigating potential misconduct related to specific gaming devices following an anonymous report.