Unfortunate Club Controversy
Club Canberra Fined AUD 1.2 Million Following Patron's Suicide due to Problem Gambling
The legendary Hellenic Club in Canberra is set to challenge a staggering AU$1.2 million fine following the suicide of a patron, Raimo Kasurinen, after sustaining heavy losses on gambling machines within the club.
Tragedy struck on March 31, 2020, with Kasurinen's son-in-law, David Chambers, alleging that the venue failed to protect his father-in-law from the hazards of gambling addiction. In response, the ACT Gambling and Racing commission slapped the club with an eye-catching fine, declaring it as a public warning against any future neglect of responsible gambling practices.
The Alleged Incident and Financial Loophole
The fine was levied due to the club allowing Kasurinen to make several withdrawals exceeding the legal limit from cash machines, a setback that Chambers attributed to a clever cash-out trick. The couple exploited the system, withdrawing AU$1,000 instead of the legal AU$200 limit, by making multiple transactions in a single attempt.
The Hellenic Club has rejected any blame, planning to appeal the decision, asserting that they are adhering to regulations and striving for patron safety.
Regulators, however, deemed the club at fault for not recording multiple problem gambling incidents in the problem gambling incidents register within three consecutive trading days after becoming aware of the incident, a legal oversight the club strongly denies.
Controversy Unfolds
An official statement from the club clarified that the investigation revolved around the recording of problem gambling incidents in the gambling incident register and compliance with regulations regarding the limits on the amount of money that could be withdrawn by club patrons via Eftpos. The club has refrained from expanding on the details due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Chambers spoke out about his deceased father-in-law, describing him as a diligent worker, only to reveal records indicating that the couple had gambled AU$345,000 since 2012 at the club.
Support for the Fine
Reforms towards stricter gambling laws have gained support with the Alliance for Gambling Reform, who celebrated the announcement of the fine. Reverend Tim Costello, the organization's Chief Advocate, expressed his delight, stating that 63 cents out of every dollar spent in gambling machines comes from individuals suffering from gambling addiction. Costello emphasized the importance of the regulation, hoping to deter similar incidents in the future.
As the case continues to unfold, the Hellenic Club awaits the appeal verdict while reformers push for stricter gambling regulations and a reduction in the number of poker machines in an effort to safeguard against harmful gambling practices.
- The Hellenic Club, under scrutiny for its gambling practices, is planning an appeal against a AU$1.2 million fine, despite allegations of allowing excessive cash withdrawals and failing to record multiple problem gambling incidents.
- As the controversy surrounding the Hellenic Club's casino-and-gambling operations unfolds, the Alliance for Gambling Reform strongly supports the fine, citing concern over the disproportionate amount of money spent on gambling machines by individuals suffering from gambling addiction, and calling for stricter regulations and a reduction in casino-games like poker.
