The article reports that the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has imposed a significant penalty on a gambling license applicant for failing to disclose criminal offenses during the application process. Here are the key details:
Regulatory Action
- The VGCCC fined Goulburn Valley Hotel (GVH) Shepparton Pty Ltd AU$100,000
- The penalty was imposed for failing to disclose two criminal offenses when applying for a license
- The company had applied in November 2022 to operate 40 poker machines at the Shepparton hotel
Nature of the Violation
- GVH failed to disclose two counts of negligent dealing with proceeds of crime from June 2022
- Although these offenses were without convictions, disclosure was still required under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic)
- By not providing this information, GVH breached the regulatory requirements
Additional Consequences
- Beyond the monetary penalty, the VGCCC enforced additional license and reporting conditions
- These conditions apply to both GVH and another connected operator, Pan Hotels Pty Ltd
- The regulator encouraged the public to report potential breaches or suspicious behavior
Regulatory Statement
- VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt emphasized that providing incorrect information impedes the regulator’s ability to assess an applicant’s suitability
- She stated that the penalty size “reflects the severity of the offense and should demonstrate to other applicants and operators that we’re serious about compliance”
- Kimmitt stressed that full disclosure is “a critical part of ensuring that the gambling industry operates with safety and integrity and is free from criminal influence or exploitation”
This enforcement action demonstrates the VGCCC’s commitment to maintaining integrity in the gambling industry through thorough vetting of license applicants and imposing significant penalties for non-compliance.
