Woolworths-owned gaming operators have been hit with a massive fine after shouting known gamblers in a breach of gaming laws.
Australia’s third largest pokie operator, Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group, of which Woolworths owns 75 per cent, has been fined $172,692 after two of its hotels on NSW’s north coast were found to be shouting gaming patrons alcohol.
Licensees Andrew Wyeth, Rachel Watts and ALH were found to have breached the Gaming Machines Regulation 2010 and to have “engaged in conduct that had encouraged, or is likely to encourage, the misuse and abuse of gambling activities”. “A system whereby gamblers were given free liquor ‘shouts’ was captured in daily reporting targets and tied to gaming profits and staff performance,” Ms Griswold said.
An ALH spokesperson said the findings of the investigation related to hotel operations at NSW north coast venues in 2017 and when the issue was first raised the ALH commissioned a full review of responsible gambling programs and operations across all of their venues.
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