Posted on: December 21, 2023, 06:51h. 

Last updated on: December 21, 2023, 06:51h.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) for not adhering to the regulations. ALH subsidiary Endeavour Group reportedly violated responsible gambling laws by operating electronic gaming machines (EGM) outside of authorized hours at several of its venues.

The VGCCC imposed a fine of AUD480,000 (US$323,760) against ALH for its EGM violations. This brings the total of fines issued this year against ALH to over $1 million.

Victorian Gaming Control Commission’s investigation found that ALH operated EGMs at eight venues outside of authorized hours and failed to obey mandatory shutdown periods, which aim to minimize gambling harm.

Victoria Keeps Its Eye on ALH

ALH’s out-of-hours operations involved 15 EGMs across eight venues and resulted in a penalty of AUD60,000 (US$40,470) for one specific property. ALH has 4,690 machines in 76 Victoria venues and earlier this year, it received a fine of AUD550,000 (US$370,975) for failing to install mandatory pre-commitment technology, known as YourPlay, on 220 EGMs.

YourPlay is a system that allows players to set time and loss limits to inform their gambling decisions. Meanwhile, New South Wales (NSW) is pushing forward with changes to EGM operations to become the state with the strictest responsible gambling practices.

New South Wales Advances EGM Controls

NSW approved the expansion of a cashless gaming trial across the state, covering 4,500 EGMs in 28 properties. This move exemplifies legislators’ determination to emphasize responsible gambling across the country.