Werribee RSL has been slapped with a $30,000 fine by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) for failing to prevent two self-excluded customers from gambling.
The VGCCC received an anonymous tip-off that self-excluded person entered the Werribee RSL gaming room and used the poker machines in January 2024.
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.
According to VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan, this is the first time any disciplinary action has been taken against a venue for self-exclusion breaches.
“Taking disciplinary action is the last resort,” she said.
“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.
“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 Werribee RSL cooperated with investigations and has since taken steps to strengthen its procedures. These include improved and regular staff training, daily audits of the self-exclusion register, and greater use of technology to identify self-excluded customers who attempt to enter the gaming room.
The remedial action taken by the club was taken into consideration in determining the amount of the fine, the VGCCC said.
“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,” Neilan said.
“Self-exclusion programs empower people to manage their gambling by registering to be temporarily or permanently blocked from entering gambling areas of clubs, pubs and casinos.”