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A Magistrate has ordered the Altona RSL to pay a total of $8160 for allowing a 16-year-old to enter a gaming machine area and gamble for 10 minutes at the venue in September 2022.
The RSL was charged by the VGCCC in August 2023 following a tip-off from a member of the public.
In handing down the sentence, the Magistrate noted the fine would have been higher had the RSL not pleaded guilty and not taken proactive steps to prevent it from occurring again.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM welcomed the verdict, saying “We will continue to pursue venues that contravene their responsibilities to stop minors from gambling. This outcome puts smaller operators on notice that they are not above being held to account.”
The VGCCC reminds venues to ensure they have enough staff on hand to deal with increased patronage during the holiday period, and to ask for ID from anyone who looks under 25.
This case is another example of the VGCCC acting in response to a tip-off made by a member of the public. If you are concerned a minor has been or is being allowed to gamble, please contact the VGCCC on 1300 599 759 or by using our Complaints and Tip-offs page.
Background
The Altona RSL was ordered to pay a fine of $4,000 and $4,160 in legal costs.
The case was heard on Wednesday 13 December 2023 at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.
