The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) A$38,000 after the operator admitted to multiple breaches involving underage access to slot machine areas.
The fine was handed down by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria without a conviction.
ALH, one of Australia’s largest operators of poker machines, pleaded guilty to six charges linked to minors entering gaming rooms at three different venues on four separate occasions in 2024.
Although the company self-reported the violations, VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan-appointed in March-stressed that voluntary disclosure does not relieve operators of their compliance responsibilities.
One incident on 24 January saw a 17-year-old repeatedly enter the gaming room at Cramers Hotel in Preston without being asked for ID, with staff only intervening the next day.
On 24 April, a child entered the gaming area at the Excelsior Hotel in Thomastown with two adults and interacted with a slot machine before being removed. A similar breach occurred on 27 September at the Mountain View Hotel in Glen Waverley, where a 14-year-old was found gambling before staff stepped in.
Neilan reaffirmed the Commission’s strict approach to enforcement and highlighted the importance of preventing underage access as a key responsibility for all venue operators.
