VGCCC imposes fine on ALH for operating beyond allowed hours

As part of its continuous regulatory crackdown on gambling operators, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Commission (VGCCC) has fined the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) a hefty AU$480,000 ($323,500). The penalty stems from ALH’s usage of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) over the hours that are allowed by the regulatory framework.

In a formal media statement, the VGCCC claimed that ALH had violated required shutdown periods by holding EGMs at eight separate locations beyond regular trading hours. With 4,690 machines spread across 76 sites, ALH is notably the biggest operator of electronic gaming machines in the state of Victoria.

The regulatory inquiry concentrated on 15 EGMs that ALH hosted in these eight locations from February 15 to May 25. The rule states that gaming establishments must close for four hours following every twenty hours of gaming activity. These hours coincide with the times that the establishments must hold their EGMs.

The CEO of the VGCCC, Annette Kimmitt, underlined the commitment to responsible gambling services by stressing the value of making sure customers take breaks and are not subjected to prolonged, continuous periods of play. Kimmitt made a point of saying, “The VGCCC will continue to monitor gaming machine operations to ensure our expectations are being met,” demonstrating ongoing attention to upholding legal standards.

This is ALH’s second financial penalty imposed by the authorities this year. The company has previously been fined AU$550,000 ($370,700) for running 220 EGMs without the necessary pre-commitment technology, called YourPlay. The string of penalties shows how committed the regulatory bodies are to upholding standards of responsible gaming and compliance in the gaming sector.

Original story by: Asia Gaming Brief