The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has issued a stern warning to pubs and clubs regarding the use of poker machines during the upcoming Good Friday and ANZAC Day public holidays.
Venues found allowing customers to operate poker machines outside of permitted trading hours will face significant fines and penalties.
Suzy Neilan, the new CEO of the VGCCC, announced today that 14 venue operators have already been fined a total of $195,000 for violating trading hour regulations on these important days in 2024. Additionally, four operators received censure warnings.
“In Victoria, the availability of poker machines is restricted to a venue’s liquor licence hours, which may include further limitations on Good Friday, ANZAC Day, and Christmas Day,” Neilan stated.
“With Good Friday approaching, I strongly advise venues to understand and comply with their licence obligations and only operate their poker machines during permitted hours.”
Notably, the Melbourne Racing Club was fined AU$60,000 ($36,084) for three venues—Steeples, The Coach and Horses, and Peninsula Club—that allowed poker machine use before noon on Good Friday last year.
Similarly, Hoppers Crossing Club Limited faced an AU$30,000 ($18,030) fine for breaches on both Good Friday and ANZAC Day, resulting in a poker machine turnover of AU$22,234 ($13,357).
The Sale & District Greyhound Racing Club also received a censure for violating ANZAC Day trading hours.
When determining penalties, the VGCCC considered factors such as the duration of gambling outside permitted hours, the revenue generated by the venue, and the venue’s compliance history.
New regulations implemented in August 2024 mandate that venues must close their poker machine areas daily between 4 and 10 a.m., reinforcing the importance of compliance during these significant public holidays.
