The Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined the Werribee RSL AU$30,000 (US$19,708) for several self-exclusion failures.
In January 2024, the VGCCC was informed that a self-excluded person entered the gaming room and used the poker machines.
Werribee RSL then self-reported a second breach in May 2024. This came after the venue found a different customer had gambled on site at least four times between February and May 2024.
Ruling on the case, the VGCCC acknowledged Werribee RSL cooperated with investigations and had taken steps to strengthen its procedures. These include improved and regular staff training and daily audits of the self-exclusion register.
However, the Victoria regulator elected to proceed with a financial penalty for the venue. It is the first time the VGCCC has taken disciplinary action against a club or hotel for self-exclusion breaches.
Victoria Venues Should Not Put Self-Excluded Players at Risk
VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan said taking disciplinary action is the last resort. However, she also said venues should ensure they are not putting people at risk by failure to enforce self-exclusion rules.
“Self-exclusion programs empower people to manage their gambling by registering to be temporarily or permanently blocked from entering gambling areas of clubs, pubs and casinos,” Neilan said
“By failing to respect a person’s decision to self-exclude, a venue may put customers who have decided to take a break from gambling, or quit altogether, at risk of experiencing gambling harm.
“Venues and their staff are the last line of defense for self-excluded customers, who should be able to trust that their decision to self-exclude will be respected. They must have the appropriate controls in place to prevent self-excluded people from entering gaming rooms.”
