Tower Hotel Faces Legal Action from VGCCC over Gambling Breaches
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has taken decisive action against Rumotel Pty Ltd, the company operating the Tower Hotel in Hawthorn East. The hotel has been slapped with 34 charges for allegedly failing to adhere to the Gambling Regulation Act 2003.
Central to the charges is the hotel's alleged negligence in ensuring the mandatory pre-commitment technology, known as YourPlay, was operational on its electronic gaming machines and the associated YourPlay kiosk. This technology is crucial in the fight against gambling addiction, as it allows players to set time and spending limits, helping them maintain control over their gaming habits.
While players have the choice of whether or not to use YourPlay, venues are legally obligated to have it installed and readily available on all electronic gaming machines. The Tower Hotel's alleged failure in this regard has led to the VGCCC's stern response.
Related: Eight Venues Face Consequences in Victoria Following EGM Breaches
VGCCC Cracks Down on Tower Hotel
In addition to these 34 charges, the hotel faces another charge related to an alleged oversight in ensuring that their staff had undergone the necessary compulsory training.
The seriousness of these breaches is underscored by VGCCC's directive to the Tower Hotel: they must cease all gaming machine operations until they have adequately addressed and rectified these issues.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM expressed her concerns over such breaches, stating:
Any venue operator that fails to provide players with the ability to set time and spend limits through the YourPlay system is in breach of a key legal obligation. This obligation is crucial in protecting the community from the potential harms of gambling. We are committed to actively monitoring venue compliance with the requirement to have YourPlay available on all electronic gaming machines. We will not hesitate to take action against those who either opportunistically or deliberately neglect their responsibilities.
The consequences for the Tower Hotel could be severe. If found guilty on all 35 charges, they could face a staggering maximum fine of $758,172. This case serves as a stark reminder to all venue operators of the importance of adhering to gambling regulations and the potential repercussions of non-compliance.
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