Ensure your venue staff are following correct procedures to prevent criminal exploitation

Recently we charged the operator of Springvale gaming venue Greyhound Promotions Pty Ltd for allegedly failing to ensure payouts of electronic gaming machine credits were made legally. 

Here are a few steps you can take to ensure you are meeting your obligations as a venue operator: 

Follow the correct procedure when issuing cheques 

• Check the patron’s ID 
• Withhold payment if the patron can’t produce acceptable ID or if you are not satisfied as to the identity of the rightful recipient of the payment 
• Record any win over $10,000 on your venue’s large-wins register 
• Regardless of the amount, record payee details in your cheque register 

Refer to the AUSTRAC Regulatory Guide for Pubs and Clubs for more information 

Check on groups of people playing together at your venue 

While patrons playing EGMs in groups is not illegal, it does represent an increased risk for your venue and may leave you vulnerable to potential money laundering activity. Be vigilant if you see groups playing in your venue, and ensure staff are monitoring their EGM play and note who was playing the machine if there is a win, to ensure they receive the payout in regard to these wins. 

Monitor the floor for unusual patron behaviour 

Be attentive and actively monitor the gaming floor for unusual or concerning behaviour. This could  include seeing another patron buying the accumulated credits of a winning patron. Ensure you stop this behaviour if you see it in your venue. 

Never pay out to someone who wasn’t playing the machine at the time of the win. If you are concerned that a patron may have purchased the winning ticket from another patron, you should review your CCTV footage to confirm any suspicions before making the payment.   

For more information on your obligations contact AUSTRAC on 1300 021 037 or the VGCCC on 1300 599 759 or email [email protected]