As a venue operator licensee, you decide to hire third-party service providers to help manage your gaming venue.
*Note: even if you hire a service provider for a job, any breaches of non-compliance will result in action against:
- the venue operator.
Breaches of non-compliance will not go against:
- the service provider you hired.
Types of service providers
You can engage service providers to perform a range of services. These include:
- venue management services and player loyalty schemes
- service, repair and maintenance of poker machines
- gaming performance data analysis
- responsible gambling services and security
- marketing advice, customer communications and promotions
- financial advice and accounting services
- staff training and venue design
Constraints on service providers
To protect the integrity of the industry, restrictions apply for the overlap of roles in the gaming industry.
There are certain constraints on who you can engage with under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (the Act):
- The monitoring licensee, Intralot Gaming Services (IGS)
- can only provide monitoring services, and
- is prohibited from offering venue services.
- Persons listed on the Roll of Manufacturers, Suppliers and Testers are also prohibited from providing venue services, if the services would result in them being venue operator associates.
- Only licensed gaming industry employees can undertake the:
- service
- repair, and
- maintenance of your poker machines.
These restrictions apply because there is an integrity risk. The same entities who undertake functions like the:
- manufacture
- supply
- testing
- repair, or
- monitoring of poker machines,
cannot also be involved in their purchase and operations.
*Note: a service provider you engage can be considered your associate if:
- they hold a financial interest in your gaming business, or
- they can significantly influence the management or operation of your business.
Third-party agreement restrictions
There are restrictions on the kind of service agreements you enter into with third parties.
As a venue operator, you are not permitted to enter into agreements where:
- the payment terms for services are calculated by reference to poker machine revenue earned by the venue operator.
If you enter into this type of arrangement with a venue operator:
- the agreement will be void, and
- you will be in breach of your venue operator’s licence.
The above may result in disciplinary action, under the Act.
Approval by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission
Service agreements do not need approval by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC). They can be reviewed by the VGCCC when decided it's necessary.
*Note: certain equipment may require approval.
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