The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has announced that it has asked two licensed gaming venue operators why they have consistently operated electronic gaming machines (EGMs) outside their licensed hours of operation.
According to its press release, the VGCCC found that eight venues operated by the two license holders allowed gaming machines to operate outside the hours outlined in their licensing conditions. These hours tie in with the companies’ liquor licenses and ensure that there is a minimum continuous break of four hours every 24 hours.
Both operators have been issued with a show cause notice and now have 28 days to respond to the allegations. If the VGCCC finds that the license holders’ explanations are unsatisfactory, penalties could include fines, additional licensing requirements, or the suspension or cancellation of an operator’s gaming license.
The cause of notice lists the following breaches:
- EGMs operating outside the permitted hours
- EGMs not connected to the pre-commitment system, YourPlay
- Irregular EGM activity potentially linked to money laundering.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt said:
“Venue operators should know by now that we will not tolerate failure to provide gambling services responsibly. Venue operators are on notice to ensure they observe the trading hours for their electronic gaming machines as noted on their licences.
These notices are a warning to venue operators all over Victoria that we are monitoring data from their electronic gaming machines and will uncover breaches.”
In related news, the VGCCC also stated that it fully supports a gambling harm minimization measure proposed by the Victorian government. That measure calls for all gaming venues to close between 4am and 10am every day. The VGCCC noted that as a result of staggered gaming venue hours of operation, gambling is actually available 24 hours a day in 7 areas within the state.
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.