Victorian pub owner forced to sell venue after gambling cover-up
The cover-up of an illegal gambling payout has resulted in an $80,000 fine for the owner of a Victorian hotel.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission found senior staff at the Rye Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula falsified records of a cash payment of $2039 to a patron.
A second integrity breach concerning a cheque to a non-winning pokie player who did not produce identification was also investigated.
The Commission intervened after a complaint from a member of the public.
Victorian law states that winnings over $2000 must be paid by cheque of vias eftpos, and that identity checks must be undertaken before payments to patrons can be made.
The owner of the Rye Hotel, which has 30 pokies and wagering facilities such as TAB and Keno, will now be forced to pay the fine, sell the hotel and exit the gambling industry.
According to watchdog's chief executive Annette Kimmitt the penalty sends a clear message to rogue operators.
"We know that honest mistakes happen," she said.
"However, venue operators that attempt to cover up breaches will be caught and face serious repercussions."
Jonathan Jackson, 19th February 2024
