Участник:VGCCC fined Australia Leisure and Hospitality Group $550k
The Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) has been fined $550,000 for operating 220 game consoles without installing mandatory pre-engagement technology (YourPlay) following an indictment by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Board (VGCCC).
Violations by Australia's largest electronic game console operator, ALH, were described as significant and deliberate in a magistrate's ruling. ALH has been ordered to pay $50,000 in legal costs for VGCCC in addition to fines.
In November 2022, the VGCCC charged ALH with 62 counts of failing to verify that YourPlay was properly installed on the game console across 62 of 77 venues. YourPlay is a statewide pre-commitment plan that empowers players to set time and loss limits and make informed decisions about gambling. In Victoria, YourPlay should be available on all electronic game consoles.
The VGCCC argued that the gravity and intentionality of ALH's transgressions were considered major factors in sentencing given the role of YourPlay schemes in reducing gambling harm in Victoria.
The magistrate noted that ALH's early guilty plea and cooperation with the VGCCC are factors that reduce fines from up to $1.35 million.
"The results demonstrate the VGCCC's commitment to tracking operators who opportunistically or deliberately violate their obligations to protect their communities from gambling harm," said AM VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmit. "Gambling providers need to pay close attention to their obligations because the consequences of misjudgment can be significant."
Following an anonymous tip in late 2021, the VGCCC conducted inspections of ALH venues across Victoria, identifying and shutting down 220 non-compliant game consoles.