Werribee venue fined for self-exclusion failures

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined the Werribee RSL $30,000 for failing to prevent 2 self-excluded customers from gambling.

‘This is the first time the VGCCC has taken disciplinary action against a club or hotel for self-exclusion breaches,’ VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan said today.

‘Self-exclusion programs empower people to manage their gambling by registering to be temporarily or permanently blocked from entering gambling areas of clubs, pubs and casinos.

‘By failing to respect a person’s decision to self-exclude, a venue may put customers who have decided to take a break from gambling, or quit altogether, at risk of experiencing gambling harm.’

In January 2024, the VGCCC received an anonymous tip-off that a self-excluded person entered the Werribee RSL gaming room and used the poker machines. The venue self-reported a second breach in May 2024, after realising a different customer had gambled at the venue on at least 4 occasions between February and May 2024.

‘Taking disciplinary action is the last resort,’ Ms Neilan said. ‘We would prefer venues take their harm minimisation responsibilities seriously by complying with their legal obligations, including through the effective implementation of tools like self-exclusion.

‘Venues and their staff are the last line of defence for self-excluded customers, who should be able to trust that their decision to self-exclude will be respected. They must have the appropriate controls in place to prevent self-excluded people from entering gaming rooms.’

The VGCCC acknowledges that Werribee RSL cooperated with our investigations and has since taken steps to strengthen its procedures. These include improved and regular staff training, daily audits of the self-exclusion register, and greater use of technology to identify self-excluded customers who attempt to enter the gaming room.

This remedial action was taken into consideration in determining the amount of the fine.

‘The penalty should serve as a reminder to all venues to proactively review their own self-exclusion programs and other procedures required by law to prevent similar breaches occurring.’

Additional information:

People with concerns about a gambling provider’s behaviour can lodge a complaint or tip-off via the VGCCC website or call 1300 599 759.

Anyone negatively affected by their own or someone else’s gambling is encouraged to call the 24/7 Gambler’s Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.