The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined the former owner of the Rye Hotel $80,000, required an undertaking that he sell the hotel and exit the gambling industry, after to integrity breaches.

The VGCCC confirmed to The Shout that the fine and exit order was issued to Peter Houghton, whose family had owned the hotel since 1954, and who sold the Rye Hotel to Endeavour Group last year.

The two incidents occurred in February 2022 and in March 2023, with the VGCCC saying that in the first incident “senior staff at the Rye Hotel falsified records to cover up an erroneous cash payment of $2039 to a patron”.

The Commission added: “Venues are required to pay any winnings over $2,000 by cheque or EFT. The attempted cover up of the breach constitutes serious integrity failings and misconduct.”

In the second incident the venue issued a cheque to an ineligible person at the request of a winning patron who could not produce ID to collect their winnings.

The VGCCC said: “Venues are required to ensure they only process payments to the person playing the electronic gaming machine and ensure the appropriate identity checks are undertaken.”

VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM said this decision sends a clear message to the industry about compliance with integrity measures.

“Venue operators and owners need to understand the full extent of consequences for falsifying records and concealing misconduct,” Kimmitt said. 

“We know that honest mistakes happen. However, venue operators that attempt to cover up breaches will be caught and face serious repercussions.”

The VGCCC launched an investigation after receiving a complaint from a member of the public. Matters can be reported to the VGCCC on 1300 599 759 or through the VGCCC complaints and tip-offs page.