ALH Group Fined AU$480,000 for Breaching Victoria Operating Rules

The Australian Leisure and Hospitality (ALH) Group, a major player in the gaming industry, has been handed a substantial fine by the Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC). The penalty, totaling AU$480,000, was imposed due to breaches of operating rules regarding electronic gaming machines (EGMs) operating hours.

VGCCC's investigation revealed that eight ALH venues in Victoria were found to have operated EGMs outside the permitted operating hours. These venues failed to adhere to mandatory shutdown periods as well. The establishments in question were the First and Last Hotel, Croxton Park Hotel, Albion Charles Hotel, Berwick Inn Taverner, The Millers Inn Hotel, Village Green Hotel, Elsternwick Hotel, and Boundary Taverner.

The violations occurred between February 15, 2023, and May 25, 2023, with 15 EGMs across these venues found operating outside their designated hours. According to gaming regulations, venues must close for four hours after every 20 hours of gaming and strictly adhere to their specified operating hours.

All venues, except the Boundary Taverner, were found to have operated outside their trading hours and failed to observe mandatory shutdown periods between February 15, 2023, and April 21, 2023. This resulted in a hefty fine of $420,000. Additionally, a further $60,000 fine was issued for activities at the Boundary Taverner, where EGMs were also operated out of hours and shutdown periods were not observed, albeit on a single occasion, May 25, 2023.

Annette Kimmitt, CEO of VGCCC, expressed the regulator's expectations, stating, "We expect all venue operators to provide gambling services responsibly and to observe the trading hours for their electronic gaming machines." She emphasized the importance of ensuring patrons take breaks and avoid extended periods of continuous play, highlighting VGCCC's commitment to monitoring gaming machine operations.

Notably, this is the second major fine that ALH Group has faced in 2023. In August, the group was penalized $550,000 for violating state rules on gambling control, signaling increased scrutiny on operators within the industry.