Victorian gambling regulator hits Lara venue with fine
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has fined Lara Sporting Club $15,000 after poker machines were found operating outside permitted hours, in breach of state regulations.
The regulator detected gaming activity at the venue on 18 May 2025 outside its licensed liquor hours, with multiple machines in use and turnover exceeding $10,000. Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 Victoria, venues must observe strict operating windows, including a mandatory shutdown between 4am and 10am.
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VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan said the rules are designed to minimise gambling harm and protect patrons, warning venues must comply with their licence conditions. The breach marks the second offence for Lara Sporting Club, which was previously fined $10,000 earlier in 2025 for Good Friday violations.
“These are measures designed to safeguard patrons and minimise gambling harm,” she said.
“It’s imperative that venues abide by their licenced hours and demonstrate responsibility in their care for patrons.”
Neilan said the penalty reflects the seriousness of repeated non-compliance and aims to deter further breaches. The regulator has urged venues to review trading hours ahead of upcoming restricted dates, noting 11 venues were fined $180,000 last year for similar offences.
“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,” she said.
The Lara Sporting Club is located around an hour from the Melbourne CBD, on the outskirts of Geelong.
