Gambling License Applicant Faces Penalty for Concealing Criminal Past
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has imposed a substantial fine on Goulburn Valley Hotel (GVH) Shepparton Pty Ltd for failing to disclose criminal offenses during a gambling license application.
In November 2022, GVH applied to operate 40 poker machines at a Shepparton hotel. However, the VGCCC discovered that the applicant had been found guilty of two negligent dealings with proceeds of crime earlier that year. Although these charges did not result in convictions, the operator was legally required to report them when submitting the license application.
The failure to disclose this information breached the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic). As a result, the VGCCC imposed a AU$100,000 fine on GVH. The Commission also added stricter reporting and operational conditions to GVH’s license and another related operator, Pan Hotels Pty Ltd.
The VGCCC emphasized the importance of upholding legal obligations and maintaining transparency in the gambling industry. The regulator also encouraged the public to report any breaches or misconduct to help safeguard the sector from criminal activities.
Upholding Industry Integrity Through Compliance
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM reiterated the significance of complete disclosure during the application process. She stated that providing false or incomplete information undermines the regulator’s ability to evaluate an applicant’s suitability for licensing.
Kimmitt further explained that the AU$100,000 penalty reflects the gravity of the violation and serves as a warning to other applicants. “Our role is to ensure that the gambling industry remains safe, operates with integrity, and stays free from criminal exploitation,” she added.
The VGCCC expects all license applicants to meet their legal obligations, reinforcing its commitment to a transparent and responsible gambling sector.
