- Published:
- Tuesday 24 March 2026 at 10:00 am
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined the Lara Sporting Club $15,000 after poker machines were found to be in use outside permitted hours.
Gaming activity was detected at the venue outside the liquor licence hours on 18 May 2025 with multiple poker machines in use and turnover exceeding $10,000.
‘These are measures designed to safeguard patrons and minimise gambling harm. It’s imperative that venues abide by their licenced hours and demonstrate responsibility in their care for patrons,’ said Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission CEO, Suzy Neilan.
The Gambling Regulation Act (2003) requires venues to operate gaming rooms within specific hours, including adherence to a mandatory shutdown period between 4am and 10am each day. Permitted hours for gaming are in line with the liquor trading hours defined in each venue’s liquor licence.
Lara Sporting Club’s permitted hours are any time from Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays, between midnight and 1:00 am, and between 10:00 am and 11:30 pm, excluding ANZAC Day.
‘As this is not the first time the venue has breached its permitted hours, it is appropriate to impose a penalty that reflects the seriousness of the conduct and the need for both specific and general deterrence,’ Ms Neilan said.
This is the second time the venue has been fined for trading hour breaches, with a $10,000 fine issued in 2025 for breaches on Good Friday.
With restricted trading days of Good Friday and ANZAC Day rapidly approaching, the VGCCC is also encouraging venues to check their licenced hours and ensure they operate within permitted hours.
Last year, 11 venues were fined a total of $180,000 for trading hour breaches relating to these dates.
Additional information:
Anyone with concerns about a gambling provider’s behaviour can lodge a complaint or tip-off with the VGCCC.
Anyone negatively affected by their own or someone else’s gambling is encouraged to call the 24/7 Gambler’s Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.
Media contact: 0427 701 037 media@vgccc.vic.gov.au
Updated