The proprietor of a historic Victorian hotel is facing an AU$80,000 ($52,000) fine and the loss of his business after the VGCCC discovered two integrity breaches.
According to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, the gambling regulatory body in Australia’s second smallest state, senior personnel at the Rye Hotel situated on the Mornington Peninsula, manipulated records to disguise an erroneous cash disbursement of AU$2,039 ($1,330) to a patron.
Additionally, the venue issued a check to a pokie player who hadn’t won, upon the request of a winning player who wasn’t able to provide identification, constituting a separate breach of integrity protocols. An inquiry was initiated by the VGCCC after a member of the public filed a complaint.
In accordance with Victorian regulations, establishments are obligated to issue winnings exceeding AU$2,000 ($1,300) via check or electronic funds transfer and are strictly prohibited from disbursing payments to pokie players without first verifying their identity.
In addition to the substantial financial penalty, the commission has compelled the owner to commit to selling the hotel and withdraw from the gambling sector. The hotel, which boasts 30 pokie machines along with TAB and Keno facilities, has been the subject of scrutiny in light of this incident.
Annette Kimmitt, the chief executive of the regulatory body, underscored the gravity of the penalty, stating it serves as a stark warning to venue operators and proprietors regarding the repercussions of falsifying records and concealing misconduct.
“While we recognize that errors can occur,” she remarked, “operators who attempt to mask violations will be apprehended and face severe consequences.”
