Gambling Regulator Cracks Down on Underage Violations With ALH Fine

The Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has levied a substantial fine against the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) for a series of underage gambling breaches across multiple venues in the state.

The VGCCC’s investigation uncovered a pattern of underage gambling activities at several ALH-operated venues in Victoria. The regulator found that ALH had allowed a teenager to gamble on multiple occasions at five different establishments, including the Albion Charles Hotel, Cramers Hotel, Doncaster Hotel, Excelsior Hotel, Rose Shamrock & Thistle Hotel, and Westside Taverner. This series of incidents spanned several months, from September 2022 to October 2023.

In a particularly concerning incident, the VGCCC also discovered that ALH had allowed an 8-year-old child to enter the poker machine area at the Westside Taverner venue. While the child was accompanied by an adult, state law in Victoria strictly prohibits minors from accessing any gambling areas within licensed premises.

The regulator’s investigation also revealed a broader failure on ALH’s part to ensure that electronic betting terminals were adequately supervised at all times across its venues. This systemic lapse in oversight contributed to the commission’s decision to take decisive action against the group.

After ALH pleaded guilty to the 24 charges of underage gambling breaches, the VGCCC imposed a significant financial penalty. The group was fined a total of AU$177,500 (£91,545/€109,455/US$119,587), with the majority of the fine (AU$175,000) attributed to the incidents involving the teenager who was allowed to gamble. Additionally, ALH was ordered to pay AU$2,500 for the child’s entry into the gambling area, as well as AU$45,000 in costs to the VGCCC.

VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt emphasized the commission’s “zero tolerance” stance towards underage gambling breaches, underscoring the serious harm that can befall minors who are exposed to gambling activities. Kimmitt stated that all venues have a legal and social obligation to protect children from the risks associated with gambling, and that the VGCCC will not hesitate to take swift action against operators who fail to uphold these responsibilities.

This is not the first time that ALH has faced penalties in Victoria for regulatory violations. In late 2023, the group was fined AU$480,000 for breaching rules related to operating hours. Additionally, in 2022, the VGCCC issued ALH a AU$550,000 fine for breaching gambling control regulations.