GVH applied for a licence to operate 40 poker machines at the Shepparton hotel in north-east Victoria in November 2022. This request was filed with the VGCCC.
However, upon reviewing the licence, the Victoria regulator found GVH failed to disclose certain information. This includes that the licence nominee had been found guilty of two counts of negligently dealing with the proceeds of crime, without conviction. This took place in June of 2022.
In its ruling, published today, the VGCCC said the Victoria Gambling Act 2003 required applicants to disclose criminal offences when applying for a licence. As GVH failed to do so, it was deemed to be in breach of state law and must now pay the fine.
Victoria regulator: fine reflects severity of case
Commenting on the case, VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt said providing wrong information means the regulator cannot fully assess the applicant’s suitability to hold a licence.
“We expect applicants to abide by the law and provide complete and accurate information,” Kimmitt said. “This is a critical part of ensuring that the gambling industry operates with safety and integrity and is free from criminal influence or exploitation.”
Kimmitt added that GVH’s cooperation with the investigation was taken into account when determining the fine.
However, on top of the penalty, additional licence and reporting conditions have now been applied to GVH. This will also be put in place for Pan Hotels, another operator licence associated with the nominee.
“The $100,000 fine reflects the severity of the offence,” Kimmitt said. “It demonstrates to other applicants and operators that we’re serious about compliance with legal obligations.”
Victoria eyes stricter pokies regulations
The ruling comes as Victoria’s parliament considers a new bill that would impose stricter measures on ‘pokies’ slot machines.
Introduced last week, this would include slashing the maximum amount players can deposit at one time to $100. It would also create a framework for carded players on machines, with consumers required to insert a player card to gamble on pokies.
The roll-out of carded play will begin in mid-2025 with a pilot programme across select venues. After this will come a phased approach beginning in 2026, with carded play mandatory by 2027.
The Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024 passed its first reading in Victoria’s parliament on 26 November.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/victoria-fines-gvh-shepparton-false-information/
