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Victorian Pub Fined $150,000 for Extensive Gambling Regulation Violations

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The Flying Horse Bar and Brewery Fined $150,000 for Gambling Breaches

The Flying Horse Bar and Brewery in Warrnambool, Victoria, has been fined an unprecedented $150,000 for multiple breaches of gambling regulations. These significant breaches included critical failures to assist patrons exhibiting signs of distress and concerning instances of staff playing poker machines during work hours.

"This fine is the largest issued to a club or hotel for these types of offenses," stated VGCCC chief executive Suzy Neilan. She underscored the paramount importance of venue staff in protecting individuals from potential gambling harm.

Detailed Breaches Uncovered

Inspectors from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) conducted two visits to the venue in February 2024. These inspections led to the identification of several breaches under the Gambling Regulation Act:

  • Absence of Licensed Staff: On 12 separate occasions, the venue failed to have a licensed gambling industry employee rostered on duty.
  • Inadequate Record Keeping: The Flying Horse Bar and Brewery was found to be failing to maintain an unclaimed winnings register.
  • CCTV Deficiencies: The venue did not keep CCTV footage of its gaming area for the required 28 days and failed to maintain a continuous recording CCTV system.
  • Code of Conduct Violation & Harm Prevention: Critically, the venue breached its own code of conduct. This involved three distinct instances of failing to interact with patrons showing signs of potential gambling harm.
  • Staff Misconduct: An alarming incident involved a staff member being found playing two poker machines using residual credits while working.
  • Absent Responsible Gambling Officer: A responsible gambling officer was absent from the poker machine area during public operating hours on 22 occasions, further compromising player protection.

Commission's Stance and Venue's Response

This substantial fine reflects the VGCCC's commitment to upholding gambling regulations and protecting vulnerable individuals.

It's not the first time the venue has faced legal action related to its gaming operations. In August 2025, The Flying Horse Bar and Brewery had previously pleaded guilty to four charges of allowing minors into the gaming room, resulting in a $6,000 fine from the Warrnambool Magistrates Court.

The commission acknowledged the venue's cooperation throughout the recent investigation. The Flying Horse Bar and Brewery has since implemented significant changes, including comprehensive staff training, the installation of continuous CCTV in the gaming machine area, and the introduction of an unclaimed winnings register, to address the identified failings.