VGCC Reminds Clubs to Follow Holiday Restrictions Ahead of Good Friday, ANZAC Day

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) issued a reminder to state pubs and clubs to obey the holiday trading hours. Coming ahead of the Good Friday and ANZAC Day public holidays, the reminder pointed out that violators will risk fines and other penalties.

Two Major Holidays Approach

As Easter and the ANZAC Day approach, the VGCCC warned that it would not tolerate offenders of the trading hours during the holidays. Suzy Neilan, the authority’s new chief executive officer, noted that the VGCCC fined 14 venue operators last year, requiring them to pay a total of AUD 195,000 for their violations.

Another 4 operators were given censure warnings.

The Good Friday, ANZAC Day and Christmas Day public holidays are significant days during which clubs are required to follow additional restrictions. While Neilan acknowledged that some operators might not be familiar with what’s expected of them, she urged them to familiarize themselves with the rules.

With Good Friday almost upon us, I strongly advise venues to ensure they know, understand and comply with the obligations of their license and only operate their poker machines during permitted hours.

Suzy Neilan, CEO, VGCCC

In August 2024, the Australian state adopted new laws that require venues to close their poker machine areas between 4 am and 10 am every day.

VGCCC Previously Fined Violators

The VGCCC previously fined Melbourne Racing Club AUD 60,000 for allowing the use of three poker machines before noon on Good Friday. The properties in question included Steeples, The Coach and Horses and Peninsula Club.

The VGCCC added that Hoppers Crossing Club Limited, on the other hand, received a $30,000 fine for violating the restrictions on both Good Friday and ANZAC Day. The Sale & District Greyhound Racing Club, meanwhile, was censured for breaching ANZAC Day trading hours.

Neilan elaborated that the VGCCC considers the severity of the violation before determining its penalty. To that end, it takes in mind the length of time outside the permitted hours that customers were allowed to play, the revenue generated during that time, and the property’s history of compliance.

The full list of properties that previously received fines for their violations is available on the VGCCC’s official website.