Ex-licensee of Western Sydney hotel fined over gaming machine breaches

The former licensee repeatedly operated gaming machines during mandatory shutdown hours.

Australia.- The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority has fined the former licensee of a Canley Vale hotel AU$44,000 (US$29,258) for repeatedly operating gaming machines during mandatory shutdown hours. It said gaming machines at the former Richards on the Park Hotel were operated during the shutdown period on 68 occasions between May 2022 and September 2023.

Under NSW law, gaming machines must be switched off between 4am and 10am every day except in cases where such variation has been granted. The hotel has since changed ownership, and the former licensee is no longer involved in its operations.

Dimitri Argeres, Liquor & Gaming NSW executive director of Regulatory Operations, said: “Breaching these rules is a serious matter, and this penalty sends a clear message that compliance is not optional,” he said and added: “Allowing gaming machines to operate during shutdown hours increases the risk of gambling harm, particularly in areas identified as high-risk. This decision reinforces the importance of harm minimisation and industry accountability.”

Last month, the Concourse Hotel in the Sydney CBD was fined AU$110,000 for repeatedly operating gaming machines during shutdown hours over eight months in 2023.

The NSW Government recently moved to revoke exemptions that enabled some pubs and clubs to vary the hours they can operate machines.

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See also: New South Wales to end exemptions to gaming machine closing times

The former licensee repeatedly operated gaming machines during mandatory shutdown hours. Australia.- The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority has fined the former licensee of a Canley Vale hotel AU$44,000…