This week, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) has tracked down an individual who was attempting to sell illegal gaming machines. While the suspect is cooperating with investigators, he could still face steep fines and several years in jail. The VCGLR has discovered that a mechanic that was illegal selling gaming machines.

The mechanic’s shop was located in Moorabbin, and nine pokies were seized from the location. The regulator caught wind of the crime after finding an advertisement for the games on GumTree. Victorian gambling laws prohibit anyone from owning, selling, supplying or manufacturing poker machines unless the company or individual has a license from the state.

As such, the mechanic’s games and his intent to sell them were both unlawful. The penalty for this crime is quite serious. I found guilty, he could pay up to $144,600 and there is the possibility that he could spend time in jail. If he was working alone, his sentence would be two years. If it were part of an enterprise, he could face up to six years in jail. The last time illegal gaming machines were discovered in Victoria was in 2009.

At that time, 42 illegal pokies were found. A man in his 20s was in possession of the games, and it was believed that he would sell the pokies to illegal gambling venues. There are concerns that individuals who sell these games are targeting owners of unregulated gambling dens – since licensed operators would not buy illegal poker machines.

Illegal gambling dens are associated with organized crime, drug use and other crimes. So, it is important to track down the suppliers of illegal gaming machines in order to track other potential gambling-related crimes.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.