A pub in western Sydney was fined more than $ 100,000 for encouraging gamers after managers and even a security guard borrowed cash to help Pokie users continue to gamble.
The Rose and Crown Hotel in Parramatta came to the attention of the authorities thanks to a disgruntled manager who herself was convicted of stealing $ 15,000 from a pub.
Employees gave players free booze and cigarettes, borrowed cash in the pub safe, and allowed traders to earn at least $ 145,000 in credit and debit from the eftpos machine.
One manager lent the patron $ 8,000 from a safe to keep them in gambling, and a security guard gave another player $ 800 from a safe.
NSW State Independent Liquor and Game Management fined licensee RC One Pty Ltd pub $ 107,358.
He also fined pub manager Paul Camkin $ 10,000 and banned him from being a licensee or running a hotel for a year.
Two of his close associates were reprimanded, and three men were ordered to pay the costs of the regulator’s investigation.
Liquor and Gaming announced its decision along with a statement of reasons on Friday
Regulator Chairman Phil Crawford thanked Pub CEO Samantha Glynn for informing the authorities. New Wales police accused Ms. Glynn of stealing $ 15,000 and sentenced her to 18 months in prison.
The regulator said Ms. Glynn manipulated payout systems in poker machines, allegedly allowing her to steal up to $ 400,000.
When Rose and Crown’s management was caught and fired, Ms. Glynn reported the hotel to the gambling body.
“Thanks to a tip from the CEO, we were able to intervene and investigate the hotel, ultimately bringing to justice the licensee and his close associates,” Mr Crawford said.
“The hotel has essentially facilitated the receipt of cash advances for gambling through a system of fraudulent transactions, and this is a clear risk for problematic gambling.”
-APA
