The prominent Australian pub and club conglomerate, Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH), has received a substantial financial penalty for neglecting to enforce responsible gaming protocols. The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) levied a $550,000 sanction upon discovering that 62 out of their 77 establishments were not utilizing the obligatory “YourPlay” program.
YourPlay is an essential element in Victoria’s efforts to combat gambling-related issues. It enables patrons to establish constraints on their expenditures and duration of play, fostering responsible gaming habits. ALH’s omission in implementing this system across its venues sparked significant apprehensions regarding their dedication to safeguarding their clientele.
Although ALH acknowledged the allegations, the presiding judge opted against imposing the maximum penalty of $1.35 million. Nevertheless, the message is unambiguous: shielding individuals from gambling-related harm is paramount, and disregarding these obligations will result in severe repercussions. The VGCCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Annette Kimmitt, underscored this point, asserting that the verdict demonstrates their commitment to holding proprietors responsible for safeguarding the public.
The Gaming Regulatory Body of the Victorian Era initiated an inquiry following an informant’s disclosure. Their findings revealed that a selection of wagering devices had been manipulated.