The Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has issued an AUS$38,000 (US$24,420) fine to Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) for allowing underage gambling at several venues in the state.
Breaches occurred at ALH-owned hotels Cramers, Excelsior and Mountain View. Incidents were reported across four dates in 2024.
ALH pleaded guilty to six charges, having self-reported the breaches to the VGCCC. These involved three minors entering gaming areas and taking part in gambling.
Children Allowed to Gamble at ALH Properties
The first case saw a 17-year-old enter the poker machine area of Cramers without showing ID, despite several interactions with staff. Workers only intervened during a visit on a later day.
Another incident was when a child accompanied two adults to the poker machine area of the Excelsior. The child pressed buttons on a poker machine before they were both escorted from the area.
Finally, a 14-year-old entered the poker machine room of Mountain View and gambled on a poker machine before staff intervened.
The Magistrates’ Court of Victoria ruled on the case and issued a fine without conviction. ALH was also ordered to pay the VGCCC’s legal costs of $40,000.
Victoria Urges Venues to be Proactive
VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan criticized ALH over the failings. She acknowledged the operator was accountable for its wrongdoings but said this was not enough and urged more proactivity.
“Venues must be proactive about ensuring that minors do not access poker machine areas by ensuring they have in place appropriate systems, processes and staff,” she said.
“Operators should undertake a risk assessment and put in place controls to prevent minors from entering gambling areas. Some examples of controls could include displaying clear signage that the poker machine room is for adults only and checking the identification of anyone who appears under 25 years of age.
“I encourage all hotels and clubs to review their operations, including staff training, and consider making any adjustments required to ensure compliance with the law.”
