The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) is extending its regulatory operations into regional Victoria to ensure the gambling industry operates with integrity all across the State.
Gambling Director at VGCCC, Glorija Kuzman said Commission inspectors could show up anywhere, anytime.
“With a dedicated gambling focus our inspectors will be inspecting gaming venues across regional Victoria,” Ms Kuzman said.
“They’ll be targeting venues across regional local government areas where gambling spend has increased significantly, there’s a history of non-compliance or a high concentration of poker machines,” she said.
“We’re a regulator for the whole of Victoria and this means monitoring and watching regional gaming venues very closely.”
Ms Kuzman said VGCCC was targeting regions where gambling spend was projected to increase up to 65 per cent from pre-COVID levels (from 2018-19 to the end of this financial year).
She said compliance with the law was the bare minimum.
Ms Kuzman said that during regional visits, inspectors wanted to see a Responsible Gambling Officer on the gaming floor at all times, as well as: No minors being allowed to gamble or in gaming machines areas; YourPlay technology installed and working on all gaming machines; Compliance with CCTV requirements; and Staff who were confident in following Responsible Service of Gambling obligations and any Ministerial Directions.
“If we detect high-harm breaches we will take strong and swift action,” the VGCCC gambling Director said.
“Where breaches are more administrative or low-harm, the VGCCC will work with venues to provide specific education about their obligations under Victoria’s gambling laws and what they need to do to ensure their venue is operating safely and lawfully.
“But if we find venues are deliberately, opportunistically or knowingly breaking the law, we will have a zero tolerance approach,” she said.
