The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined the Werribee RSL AUD$30,000 (approx. €16,862) for failing to prevent two self-excluded customers from gambling.
This follows a regulatory investigation which was triggered by an anonymous tip-off in January 2024, with the venue then self-reported another breach in May 2024.
The VGCCC acknowledged that the licensee was fully cooperative with its investigation and, in the time since, has strengthened its procedures. These include improved and regular staff training, daily audits of the self-exclusion register, and greater use of technology to identify self-excluded customers who attempt to enter the gaming room.
This remedial action was factored into the regulator’s decision-making process for the amount of the fine.
“This is the first time the VGCCC has taken disciplinary action against a club or hotel for self-exclusion breaches,” said VGCCC chief executive Suzy Neilan. “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.
“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.
“Taking disciplinary action is the last resort,” Neilan added. “We would prefer venues take their harm minimisation responsibilities seriously by complying with their legal obligations, including through the effective implementation of tools like self-exclusion.
“Venues and their staff are the last line of defence 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.”