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The McKinnon Hotel in McKinnon has been granted approval to operate 15 additional poker machines subject to strict conditions, particularly implementing harm minimisation and anti-money laundering measures across the entire venue.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission conditionally approved the venue’s application to amend its existing gambling licence to operate 60 gaming machines, up from 45.
Before the additional 15 gaming machines can operate, the venue operator must develop a policy requiring the venue to adopt and implement best practice to minimise harm from the operation of all its machines. A copy of the policy must be submitted to the Commission.
The McKinnon Hotel must also provide risk awareness training to staff and management around money laundering and counter terrorism financing.
VGCCC Chair Fran Thorn said the Commission was very focused on harm minimisation and ensuring the local community would not be negatively impacted by the decision to grant extra gaming machines.
“This is the first time we’ve imposed such stringent conditions on an approval and this policy to be developed by the McKinnon Hotel is over and above current Responsible Service of Gambling requirements. This will include the venue implementing procedures and having training in place for staff and management on recognising customer distress and intervention techniques,” said Ms Thorn.
“Make no mistake, if the Commission feels the venue isn’t living up to or has breached its own policy, we may direct the venue operator to stop operating any of its machines until we’re fully satisfied that patrons are not harmed by gambling.
“This decision also shows the expectation we have on gambling providers to go beyond their strict legal obligations with Victoria’s gambling laws and to do everything they can to protect the community from gambling related harm. I am pleased we are using our decisions and conditions power to make this happen,” she said.
In determining its decision, the Commission also considered broader economic and social factors including the demographic of the adult population within 2.5 kilometres of the venue, use of the venue’s poker machines and the density of poker machines within the Glen Eira municipality relative to the total cap of allowable machines.
For every year the additional machines are in use, the McKinnon Hotel must also pay a combined $100,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to local community groups and sporting clubs.
Read the Commission’s decision and reasons for decision (PDF, 326.5 KB).
