The country’s biggest pub operator has been fined $550,000 after an investigation – sparked by an anonymous tip off – found hundreds of poker machines operating at Victorian venues in breach of gambling rules.
Under the brand ALH Hotels, Australia’s largest operator of electronic gaming machines was penalised for breaches at 62 of its Victorian venues. investigation included searches at pubs in Hallam, Sandringham, Narre Warren, Mulgrave, Laverton and Cheltenham. The commission argued in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday that the “gravity and wilful nature” of ALH Group’s actions be a primary consideration in sentencing.The magistrate noted the group’s early guilty plea and co-operation with the investigation when deciding against a maximum penalty of $1.35 million, the commission said in a statement. The commission charged ALH Group with 62 counts of failing to ensure YourPlay was installed.
An Endeavour Group spokesperson said the company “acknowledged our shortcomings on this serious matter and have taken steps to seek to improve our compliance management”.Loading