The gambling regulator in Victoria urged venue operators to verify trading hour compliance. Clubs and hotels risk receiving fines or censure for regulatory breaches. Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) CEO Suzy Neilan leads enforcement efforts. Early compliance becomes essential during extremely busy festive trading periods.

The VGCCC implemented disciplinary measures against venues throughout this year. Twelve Victoria venues faced penalties for permitted gaming hour violations per official releases. At specific times of Good Friday and ANZAC Day, we had the breaches. Total penalties which we had to pay out were the sum of AU$58,000 €36,540) in fines and notice of censure.

A Christmas Period Warning

Pre-Christmas warnings emerged from the VGCCC regarding festive season compliance. Peak trading periods affect clubs and hotels across Victoria significantly. Visitor increases and extended hours elevate accidental breach possibilities. Gambling and liquor regulation violations become more likely during busy times. Extended poker-machine sessions and festive promotions attract venue operators. Public expectations around Christmas, Good Friday, and ANZAC Day require careful compliance.

Venue liquor licences establish gaming hour limits on significant days. Poker machine hours must correspond with permitted alcohol service times. Good Friday investigations found twelve clubs operating machines during prohibited periods. The Bridge Hotel in Mordialloc and Kerang Bowling Club violated ANZAC Day rules. Monetary penalties affected nine venues following these investigations. Formal censures without fines went to three other establishments.

Clayton RSL received Victoria’s highest penalty at AU$15,000 (€9,450). Poker machines operated illegally past 11:30 pm on Good Friday there. The breach generated AU$2,444 (€1,540) in net turnover for Clayton RSL. Similar violations occurred at this venue during 2024. Neilan reported on the issue of trade restrictions, which we see in terms of community cultural values.

We see trading at places like on Good Friday and ANZAC Day to be out of respect for what the community holds dear. Also, it is our job to recognise what the community wants and at the same time see to it that venues are in fact what the law requires.

VGCCC Promotes Fair Gambling Standards

Enforcement by the VGCCC goes beyond simple punishment measures. Fair gambling practices protect industry participants and community members together. Trading hours and licence reviews prevent breaches before they happen. High-traffic periods especially require careful compliance planning by venues. Suspected breaches or misconduct reports come from public observations. The regulator encourages community members to report compliance concerns. Gambling harm affects many Victorian individuals and their families. Support services operate 24/7 through Gambler’s Helpline on 1800 858 858.

Public access to disciplinary actions exists through the VGCCC website. All fines and censures appear online, ensuring transparency and accountability. Clear compliance expectations accompany Victoria’s approach to Christmas trading. Community standards require respect while operators ensure lawful gambling activities. Responsible practices must guide all gambling operations immediately. Venues need to implement necessary compliance steps without delay. The fuse is lit. Colombo leads the charge in the future of iGaming. SiGMA South Asia, 30 Nov – 02 Dec 2025, where new markets ignite new horizons.