Victorian hotel faces fine, potential loss of business due to breaches of integrity

A Victorian hotel owner might lose his business and be fined AU$80,000 ($52,000) after the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) found two instances of dishonesty.

Top staff at the Rye hotel on the Mornington Peninsula fabricated documents to hide an incorrect cash payment of AU$2,039 ($1,330) to a client, according to the VGCCC, Australia’s state gaming regulator.

Additionally, at the request of a player who was unable to provide identity, the venue mailed a check to a player who had not won, which was against integrity protocols. An inquiry was launched by the VGCCC in response to a public complaint.

It is against Victorian law for companies to hand out rewards to pokies players without first verifying their identity, and prizes above AU$2,000 ($1,300) must be distributed via check or electronic transfer.

In addition to the heavy fine, the commission mandated that the owner sell the hotel and exit the gambling industry. This incident has led to criticism of the hotel, which contains 30 poker machines, a TAB, and Keno services.

The CEO of the regulatory authority, Annette Kimmitt, emphasized the seriousness of the penalty, stating that it sends a clear message to owners and operators of venues about the consequences of falsifying information and hiding misconduct.

“While we understand that mistakes can happen,” she continued by stating that “operators who try to cover up violations will be caught and face severe repercussions.”

Original story by: Asia Gaming Brief