The Tower Hotel in Victoria, Australia, is currently facing 34 charges for allegedly operating gaming machines without the mandatory YourPlay pre-commitment technology installed. Additionally, an extra charge has been filed against the hotel for allegedly failing to ensure that its staff completed compulsory training.
Under Victoria’s regulations, all gaming licensees are required to install YourPlay on their gaming machines. YourPlay enables users to set optional limits on time and money spent while allowing them to monitor their machine play.
Response by the VGCCC:
In response to the charges, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VGCCC) has ordered the Tower Hotel to cease operating gaming machines until the matter is rectified. The 35 charges collectively carry a maximum fine of AU$758,172 (£390,833/€454,542/US$488,443).
VGCCC Chief Executive Annette Kimmitt emphasized the importance of complying with regulations aimed at protecting the community from gambling harm. She stated that any venue operator failing to provide players with the ability to set time and spend limits through the YourPlay system is in breach of a key legal obligation.
Kimmitt added that the VGCCC actively monitors venue compliance with the requirement to have YourPlay available on all electronic gaming machines and will pursue those that deliberately contravene their obligations.
Similar Charges Against ALH:
In a similar case, the VGCCC recently sanctioned the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) for breaches related to YourPlay. Following an anonymous tip-off in late 2021, the VGCCC inspected several ALH venues in Victoria and identified 220 gaming machines running without YourPlay installed.
In November 2022, ALH faced 62 counts of failing to ensure YourPlay was properly installed on machines across 62 of its 77 venues. The operator was fined $550,000 and ordered to pay VGCCC legal costs of $50,000.
Other Recent Cases:
The VGCCC has been actively enforcing regulations in the gambling industry. In August, betting operator BlueBet faced charges for breaching rules on advertising, which could result in a fine of up to $945,187. The charges were related to displaying three gambling ads on billboards in Victoria, violating state laws regarding specific advertising locations.
Additionally, Tabcorp received a record fine of $1.0 million for its conduct during a major system outage in 2020. The outage, which lasted approximately 36 hours during the 2020 Spring Racing Carnival, led to the fine. The VGCCC criticized Tabcorp’s conduct during the investigation and noted the operator’s repeated failure to comply with directions, justifying the record fine.
The charges and fines imposed by the VGCCC reflect the regulator’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the gambling industry in Victoria. By enforcing compliance with regulations, the VGCCC aims to protect consumers and maintain the industry’s standards. These recent cases serve as a reminder to operators of the importance of adhering to licensing requirements and responsible gambling practices.