A pub in Warrnambool, Australia, has been fined $150,000 for multiple breaches of gambling regulations, making it the largest penalty of its kind in the state.
The Flying Horse Bar and Brewery, located in Warrnambool, Victoria, has received a fine of $150,000 after being found guilty of several breaches of the Gambling Regulation Act. The breaches included significant omissions in their responsibilities, such as staff members engaging with poker machines during work hours and failing to adequately assist patrons who were in distress. These infractions highlight the ongoing issues with compliance within the gambling industry in Victoria.
Investigations carried out by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission uncovered four distinct types of violations during two inspections in February 2024. Among the identified issues, the pub reportedly did not have a licensed gambling industry employee present for twelve separate occasions, and it failed to maintain an accurate unclaimed winnings register for documenting unclaimed money. This level of non-compliance has raised concerns among regulatory authorities about operational standards in gambling venues.
The fine imposed on the Flying Horse Bar and Brewery marks the largest financial penalty administered to date for such breaches in Victoria, signaling a stringent approach taken by gambling regulators to ensure compliance. This incident serves as a warning to other gambling establishments about the potential consequences of non-compliance and the importance of upholding responsible gambling practices, especially in cases involving patron safety and employee conduct.
