In November 2022, GVH submitted an application to manage 40 poker machines at its Shepparton hotel in north-east Victoria. This application was reviewed by the VGCCC.
During the review process, the Victorian gaming authority discovered that GVH had not revealed certain critical details. Specifically, the nominee for the license had been found guilty in June 2022 of two counts of carelessly handling the proceeds of crime, albeit without a conviction.
In its decision, released [today](https://www.vgccc.vic.gov.au/media-release/shepparton-hotel-operator-fined-100000), the VGCCC stated that the Victoria Gambling Act 2003 requires applicants to disclose any criminal activity when seeking a license. GVH’s omission constituted a breach of this law, resulting in a fine.
### Regulator’s Stance: Fine Highlights Case Severity
VGCCC’s CEO, Annette Kimmitt, remarked that inaccuracies or omissions in information hinder the regulator’s ability to assess an applicant’s capability to hold a license properly.
“We insist that applicants comply with the legal requirements by providing full and truthful information,” Kimmitt stated. “This is vital to ensure the gambling sector operates safely, with integrity, and remains free from criminal influence or misuse.”
Kimmitt noted that the penalty imposed on GVH reflected the company’s cooperation during the investigation. Additionally, stricter licensing and reporting standards are now enforced on GVH, extending to another license linked with the nominee at Pan Hotels.
“The $100,000 fine underscores the gravity of this infraction,” Kimmitt added. “It sends a clear message to applicants and operators about the seriousness of adhering to legal mandates.”
### New Focus on Stricter Poker Machine Regulations
This decision occurs as Victoria’s legislature debates a new proposal aimed at tightening regulations on poker machines.
[Introduced last week](https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/victoria-stricter-pokies-regulations-bill/), the proposal includes reducing the maximum deposit amount to $100 at a time. It also requires players to use special cards to gamble on these machines.
Initial trials of carded gambling will commence in mid-2025 at select locations, followed by a gradual implementation beginning in 2026, making carded play compulsory by 2027.
The [Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024](http://gambling%20legislation%20amendment%20(pre-commitment%20and%20carded%20play)%20bill%202024/) successfully passed its first parliamentary reading in Victoria on November 26th.