Rawin Sirikwankul, the former licensee of the St George Hotel in Belmore, has pleaded guilty to 30 offences under the Gaming Machines Act 2001 in Downing Centre Local Court, following an investigation by Liquor & Gaming NSW.

The investigation revealed that, on Christmas Day 2022, 30 gaming machines were operated at the hotel between 12pm and 10pm, a period outside the prescribed hours permitted for gaming machine operation.

Jane Lin, Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at Liquor & Gaming NSW, emphasised the seriousness of these breaches, stating: “These restrictions are in place to reduce the risks of gambling harm by limiting the time patrons can spend playing gaming machines.”

Lin further noted that by flouting the law, the former licensee not only violated gaming regulations but also heightened the risk of gambling harm to patrons. She warned that licensees who fail to comply with prescribed trading hours for gaming machines will face significant penalties.

This case follows a recent incident where the licensee of the Royal Inn Hotel in Waratah was fined AU$7,500 (US$9,400) for similar offences.

In an earlier report this week regarding Anzac Day, Liquor & Gaming NSW has urged licensed venues across the state to prepare adequately, and implement proper measures to ensure safe and responsible commemorations.