Gamblers plied with booze by pokies venues

Pokies venues have been accused of plying gamblers with booze to keep them playing longer.

More than 50 venues run by Australian Leisure and Hospitality, who are majority owned by Woolworths, were subject to an investigation by Liquor and Gaming NSW after they were alerted to the alleged activity by an ex-employee.

The former employee claims senior staff had given the orders to keep pouring drinks for gamblers if they were a regular gambler or high spending gambler.

“They'd tell the staff to do the same, and that was right up the line, manager and staff, supervisors, everyone,” she said.

ALH head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs David Curry said the company was working closely with the regulator to investigate the matter.

“ALH does not provide any complimentary service of alcohol in any gaming room Australia wide,” he said.

19^th February 2019