In short:
Werribee RSL has been fined $30,000 after two self-excluded patrons were allowed to gamble, prompting the VGCCC to issue its first-ever disciplinary action of this kind. The club has since strengthened its safeguards with new staff training, audits, and tech improvements.
Venue fined but credited for cooperation and changes
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined Werribee RSL $30,000 after the venue failed to prevent two self-excluded individuals from gambling on its premises.
“This is the first time the VGCCC has taken disciplinary action against a club or hotel for self-exclusion breaches,” said VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan.
Self-exclusion programs are designed to help individuals manage their gambling habits by voluntarily blocking themselves from entering gambling areas at venues such as clubs, pubs and casinos. The breaches at Werribee RSL occurred despite this safeguard.
In January 2024, the VGCCC received an anonymous tip-off that a self-excluded person had entered the gaming room and used the poker machines. Then in May 2024, the venue self-reported a second breach after discovering that another self-excluded customer had gambled on at least four separate occasions between February and May.
“Taking disciplinary action is the last resort,” Ms Neilan said. “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.”
The VGCCC noted that Werribee RSL cooperated with the investigation and has since taken steps to strengthen its internal procedures. These include enhanced staff training, daily audits of the self-exclusion register, and greater use of technology to detect self-excluded individuals attempting to enter the gaming room.
“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,” Ms Neilan added.
The penalty serves as a warning to all venues to proactively review and enforce their self-exclusion protocols to avoid similar breaches.
