Integrity the priority for gambling compliance

20 January 2011

Yesterday’s High Court decision in the case between the Grassroots Trust and the Department of Internal Affairs will contribute to ensuring the gambling sector operates with integrity and fairness, says the Department of Internal Affairs Gambling Compliance Group.

The case was brought by the Grassroots Trust which sought to overturn the Department’s decision to refuse their application under the Gambling Act 2003 for a class 4 venue licence to operate 18 gaming machines at the Bus Stop Tavern. Costs were also awarded against the Grassroots Trust.

Internal Affairs Gambling Compliance Director, Mike Hill, says the Department is pleased that the High Court has upheld the decision. “Internal Affairs is absolutely committed to ensuring the sector operates transparently and with integrity.

“The credibility of the sector is seriously undermined when the actions of a few behave disreputably. We were concerned about aspects of the Grassroots Trust application and that is why we refused their application.

”We expect all operators to act properly and according to the rules at all times and we will hold them to account if they don't.”

Mike Hill says he is concerned that so much money that should be benefiting the community is being spent on legal actions by gambling operators.