The Peninsula Club in Dromana, Victoria, Australia, has been fined AU$7,000 for five breaches of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic) in relation to underage gambling.
A child entered the gambling area of the Peninsula Club twice on June 10, 2023, and was able to use the poker machines on both occasions. During the second visit to the area, while with adults, the child used a poker machine for about five minutes, until staff intervened.
The Magistrates’ Court of Victoria ordered Victorian Amateur Turf Club, the venue owner, to pay the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) costs of $3,500. No conviction was recorded.
“This is a warning to every venue,” said VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM. “The onus is on you to ensure that children cannot and do not enter the gambling area or participate in any gambling activity, even if they’re with an adult.
“Equally, staff must be adequately trained and present in the gambling area to supervise while machines are in use.
“Research tells us that people who begin gambling at a young age are at greater risk of developing gambling problems as an adult.
“The rules exist to protect children from exposure to, and harm from, gambling.”
