Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has issued a A$100,000 fine to Goulburn Valley Hotel (GVH) Shepparton for providing false information to the commission.
This comes as GVH applied for a licence to operate 40 poker machines at the Shepparton hotel in November 2022. However, it did not disclose that the licence nominee was found guilty in June 2022 of two counts of negligently dealing with the proceeds of crime without conviction.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM reiterated the requirement under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic) to disclose any criminal offence as part of the licence application process. “By providing wrong information, an applicant impedes the regulator from fully assessing their suitability to hold a licence.”
She said it is expected of applicants to abide by the law and provide complete and accurate information. “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 AM said.
The fee was determined taking into account GVH’s cooperation with the commission. She said, “The A$100,000 fine reflects the severity of the offence and should demonstrate to other applicants and operators that we are serious about compliance with legal obligations.”
GVH retains the right to appeal the decision to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Tougher gambling regulations
In related news, the VGCCC has reaffirmed its commitment to rigorous gambling oversight, as highlighted in its 2023–24 annual report tabled in Victoria’s Parliament. Over the year, the VGCCC took 88 disciplinary actions against licensees and employees, carried out 1,600 audits, and completed 2,770 venue inspections across the state.
“Our regulatory response is proportionate to the risks posed and harms caused when a gambling operator fails to comply with its obligations,” said VGCCC Chair Fran Thorn. “We have no tolerance for deliberate or opportunistic contraventions of the law and will not hesitate to take appropriate action when we detect a breach.”
The VGCCC said it also prosecuted 10 cases successfully, marking a shift toward a risk-based, intelligence-led regulatory approach. High-profile penalties included a A$1 million fine for Tabcorp and a A$480,000 fine for the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) for non-compliance.
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