Magistrate Issues Penalty Following VGCCC Charges Based on Public Tip-off
In a recent legal development, a Magistrate has mandated that the Altona Returned and Services League (RSL) pay a sum of $8160 for permitting a 16-year-old to access and gamble on gaming machines within the venue for a duration of 10 minutes in September 2022.
The charges against the RSL were filed by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) in August 2023, prompted by information provided by a vigilant member of the public.
During the sentencing, the Magistrate underscored that the fine could have been steeper if the RSL had not pleaded guilty and failed to implement proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Annette Kimmitt AM, CEO of VGCCC, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating, “We will persist in pursuing venues that neglect their responsibilities to prevent minors from engaging in gambling activities. This outcome sends a clear message to smaller operators that they are not exempt from being held accountable.”
Kimmitt also took the opportunity to remind all venues to ensure they have adequate staffing levels to manage heightened patronage during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of checking identification for individuals who appear to be under the age of 25.
This case serves as another instance of the VGCCC responding to a tip-off from a concerned member of the public. Individuals who suspect that a minor is involved in or being permitted to gamble are encouraged to contact the VGCCC at 1300 599 759 or use the Complaints and Tip-offs page for reporting.
