Werribee RSL has been hit with a $30,000 fine for failing to prevent two self-excluded customers from gambling.
The penalty was handed down by The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), the first time it has taken disciplinary action against a club or hotel for self-exclusion breaches.
Self-exclusion programs allow people to manage their gambling by registering to be temporarily or permanently blocked from entering gambling areas of clubs, pubs and casinos.
In January 2024, the VGCCC received an anonymous tip-off that a self-excluded person entered the Werribee RSL gaming room and used the poker machines.
The venue self-reported a second breach in May 2024, after realising a different customer had gambled at the venue on at least four occasions between February and May 2024.
VGCCC chief executive Suzy Neilan said taking disciplinary action is the last resort.
“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,” Ms Neilan said.
“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.”
The VGCCC acknowledged that the Werribee RSL co-operated with its investigations and has since taken steps to strengthen its procedures, which was factored in when deciding the penalty.
The steps include improved staff training, daily audits of the self-exclusion register and expanding technology to identify self-excluded customers entering the gaming room.
Ms Neilan said the incident in Werribee should serve as a wake up call to other venues across the state.
“The penalty should serve as a reminder to all venues to proactively review their own self-exclusion programs and other procedures required by law to prevent similar breaches occurring,” she said.
People with concerns about a gambling provider’s behaviour can lodge a complaint or tip-off via the VGCCC website or call 1300 599 759.
Anyone negatively affected by their own or someone else’s gambling is encouraged to call the 24/7 Gambler’s Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.
