For the first time, Victoria’s regulator, the VGCCC, has penalised an RSL in outer Melbourne for failing to prevent two self-excluded patrons from entering the gaming room and gambling.
In January 2024 the VGCCC received an anonymous tip that a self-excluded person was able to enter the Werribee RSL gaming room and play poker machines.
In May the venue self-reported a second breach, after it realised a different patron had come in and gambled on at least four occasions since February.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) determined “last resort” measures were appropriate, fining the RSL $30,000.
“This is the first time the VGCCC has taken disciplinary action against a club or hotel for self-exclusion breaches,” says VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan.
“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 Gambling Regulation Act 2003 makes it compulsory for gaming venue operators to operate a Self-Exclusion Program (SEP).
The SEP must include a procedure for a venue to detect an excluded person and mitigate them entering gaming areas, specifically what “reasonable steps” will be taken by staff to ensure this, as well as what will be done if such a person is detected in the area, including any interventions.
People can register to be temporarily or permanently blocked from entering gambling areas of clubs, pubs and casinos in Victoria, helping them to manage their gambling.
“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,” furthered Neilan.
“They must have the appropriate controls in place to prevent self-excluded people from entering gaming rooms.
“By failing to respect a person’s decision to self-exclude, a venue may put customers who have decided to take a break from gambling, or quit altogether, at risk of experiencing gambling harm.”
The VGCCC acknowledges that the RSL cooperated with its investigation and has taken steps to strengthen its procedures, introducing improved and regular staff training, daily audits of the SEP register, and greater use of technology to identify self-excluded customers looking to enter the gaming room.
This remedial action was taken into consideration when the Commission determined the amount of the fine.
“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.”
The VGCCC encourages submissions from the general public, providing facility to lodge a complaint or tip-off via its website or by calling 1300 599 759.
