The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) will consider a disciplinary complaint against Dee Why RSL following an investigation into alleged irresponsible gaming practices at the club.
The allegations concerning irresponsible gaming practices arose following the death of gaming patron Gary Van Duinen in June last year.
Liquor & Gaming NSW undertook a detailed investigation into claims that the club’s practices in relation to its gaming machines encouraged Van Duinen to misuse and abuse gaming machines within the club.
The Australian Financial Review reported in August last year: “Builder Gary Van Duinen killed himself after a 13-hour pokie-bender at the Dee Why RSL, where he was a VIP customer. Family members, including Duinen’s wife, had begged the club to help him curb his gambling.”
According to the latest figures from Liquor & Gaming, Dee Why RSL has 494 poker machines and is the 11th most profitable venue in NSW.
With the investigation into the Van Duinen case now complete, Liquor & Gaming NSW has lodged a formal disciplinary complaint with ILGA.
Under NSW gaming laws, ILGA has broad disciplinary powers where it is satisfied that any of the grounds on which the complaint was made apply.
These include formal reprimands, imposing or varying conditions through to suspension or cancellation of a licence and imposing fines up to $550,000 where it finds practices have encouraged the misuse and abuse of gambling activities.
Liquor & Gaming added that it was not appropriate for it to make any further comment until ILGA had considered the complaint.
It is usual practice for ILGA to publish reasons for a decision once it finalises a disciplinary complaint proceeding.
