The Hellenic Club of Canberra has been cleared by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) of allegations it failed to record signs of problem gambling exhibited by a couple who lost at least $345,000 on the club’s poker machines. However, the tribunal did find the club in breach of regulations concerning cash withdrawal limits via EFTPOS machines.
Tribunal’s Findings on Gambling Conduct
The case involved Marlene and Raimo Kasurinen, who reportedly spent up to 150 days a year at the club and incurred substantial financial losses. Mr. Kasurinen died by suicide in March 2020, during a period when the couple was facing financial difficulties. His son-in-law, David Chambers, stated that the financial losses have severely impacted Mrs. Kasurinen’s health, describing her current situation as dire.
The Hellenic Club had previously been fined $1.2 million by the Racing and Gaming Commission in December 2024 for allegedly failing to record problem gambling incidents on 28 specific dates. The club contested these fines at ACAT. The tribunal ultimately ruled that the club had not breached gaming regulations regarding the recording of problem gambling. This decision was based on the evidence provided by current and former employees, none of whom indicated they were aware of any signs of problem gambling displayed by the Kasurinens.
Reasons for the Ruling on Recording Failures
ACAT noted that while club employees made genuine efforts to identify problem gambling, their training had been insufficient. The tribunal found that the training provided left employees largely unaware of the behaviours they were supposed to monitor. Furthermore, staff members were reportedly led to believe the Kasurinens were financially stable, based on conversations with the couple, which influenced their assessment of the situation. The tribunal also highlighted that employees had only a vague recollection of a 32-item checklist used in their Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) training, a certificate required for all club staff since 2014.
Breach of Cash Withdrawal Regulations
Despite being cleared on the primary gambling recording allegations, the Hellenic Club was found to have breached regulations prohibiting gambling machine patrons from withdrawing more than $200 cash in a single transaction via EFTPOS machines. ACAT identified 45 instances where Mrs. Kasurinen exceeded this limit. In one notable case in December 2017, she made multiple withdrawals within a two-hour period, totaling $1,400.
The club had argued that as long as each transaction was completed separately, it did not constitute a breach. However, ACAT rejected this argument, stating that the repeated withdrawals in close succession, even if individually under the limit, violated the spirit and intent of the regulation designed to curb excessive cash access for gambling.
The Kasurinen’s Gambling History
The Kasurinen couple began frequenting the Hellenic Club in 2008, initially for dinner. Their circumstances changed significantly in 2014 with the death of Mrs. Kasurinen’s brother and in 2015 when they discovered their home was affected by the Mr Fluffy insulation, necessitating its sale. These events, described as distressing by Mrs. Kasurinen, led to increased visits to the club starting in 2017, with the couple often staying until closing time and engaging with the gaming machines.
During 2017, Mrs. Kasurinen visited the club on 150 days, and Mr. Kasurinen on 119 days. Similar high attendance was noted in 2016 and 2018. The reported $345,000 loss figure only accounted for wagers made using their membership cards, with Mrs. Kasurinen estimating she used her card only about 40% of the time she gambled.
Club CEO Responds to Findings
Ian Cameron, CEO of the Hellenic Club, expressed satisfaction with ACAT’s findings regarding the problem gambling allegations, stating they supported the club’s long-held position. He reiterated the club’s commitment to responsible gambling practices and providing a safe environment for its members.
Future Proceedings and Potential Fines
ACAT has scheduled further hearings for November to determine the appropriate fine for the club, considering the one breach that was upheld. Mr. Chambers welcomed the tribunal’s decision on the EFTPOS withdrawals, believing it will prevent similar situations and potentially save lives by mitigating financial distress associated with problem gambling.
