In September, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), the official gambling regulator in Victoria, Australia, filed 35 charges against Rumotel Pty Ltd, the company that operates the Tower Hotel in Hawthorn East. The charges were in connection with suspected non-compliance with the compulsory implementation of YourPlay, a prerequisite pre-commitment technology for gaming machines and kiosks. Additionally, the commission claimed that the operator did not mandate necessary training for its staff.
In recent developments, the VGCCC has leveled further accusations against Rumotel, suggesting violations relating to responsible gambling. On Thursday, it was disclosed by the regulatory body that the operator is facing three additional charges. These stem from allegations that Rumotel breached the Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct. Specifically, it’s believed that Rumotel neglected to ensure the constant presence of a Responsible Gambling Officer on the gaming floor.
The Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct, a component of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 currently enforced in Victoria, stipulates that any failure on the operator’s part to provide a Responsible Gambling Officer is a violation of license requirements. Furthermore, the VGCCC contends that the accused operator did not keep a Responsible Gambling Register.
It is expected of gambling operators in the state to always have a Responsible Gambling Officer on duty during operating hours. These officers are tasked to intervene whenever there are indications of excessive gaming or distress from patrons. Whenever such incidents occur, it’s required to record them in a specific Register, a protocol that Rumotel did not follow, as noted by the VGCCC.
Regulator Remains Vigilant in Monitoring Gambling Operators’ Compliance
The CEO of VGCCC, Annette Kimmitt, has indicated that there are rigorous regulations imposed on gambling operators. Comparable to other sectors, these rules aim to protect the welfare of casino-goers and guard against harm. Kimmitt concluded by saying, “The VGCCC will remain steadfast in its efforts against venues that show deliberate disregard to their full application of responsible gambling codes of conduct”.
“It would be unthinkable to run a public pool without a lifeguard; similarly, it’s incumbent on gaming venues to maintain constant supervision of their floors and act promptly when gamers’ welfare is at stake.“
Annette Kimmitt, CEO at VGCCC
In view of the fresh three charges, the VGCCC hinted that a penalty of AU$1,386,900 ($880,600) might be enforced. When the previously described 35 additional alleged infractions are taken into account, the combined total of the 38 charges might lead to a fine of AU$2,145,072 ($1.36 million).
In the previous month, the VGCCC brought actions against eight gambling operators, accusing them of allowing underage gambling. One of the operators affected by these allegations was Tabcorp. Kimmitt stated that preventing minors from accessing gambling venues stands as a binding duty of gambling operators.
