Liquor & Gaming NSW announced that the operator of an inner Sydney venue was found guilty of a gambling-related violation. According to the authority’s report, the licensee in question had placed an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) in an ATM room attached to its gaming room.

For reference, the Gaming Machines Regulation 2019 specifies that ATMs must be located in completely separate rooms. Vbar, the venue in question, however, sported an ATM in an adjacent room, violating NSW’s regulations. In addition, the property sported a large text reading ATM that was displayed across the door to the room.

The rules concerning the placement of ATMs align with NSW’s efforts to minimize gambling harm. The proximity of ATMs leads to risks of repeated withdrawals, exacerbating problem players’ harm. As a result, inspectors continue to monitor the placement of ATMs, targeting a variety of factors. These include the availability of credit from ATMs on the premises of a gambling venue, the visibility of internal gaming-related signage outside the venue and hotel layouts that compel visitors to pass through a gaming room when going to another area.

In addition, inspectors continue to make sure that gaming rooms include self-exclusion messaging, comply with Gaming Plans of Management and do not let minors in.

Vbar Was Penalized

Because of Vbar’s violation, the property’s licensee was ordered to pay the prosecutor’s costs in the amount of AUD 5,500 by the Local Court. According to Liquor & Gaming NSW’s executive director of regulatory operations, Jane Lin, the position of the ATM in Vbar was a “clear breach” of the Gaming Machines Regulation 2019.

Lin explained:

ATMs must be located in a part of the venue completely separate to gaming rooms or any other part of a venue where gaming machines are located, even if the internal design or fit-out of the room acts to screen the ATM.

Jane Lin, exec director of regulatory operations, Liquor & Gaming NSW

Lin added that having easy access to withdrawals can make it easier for players to lose track of how much they are spending. Because of that, ATMs should be located further away from gaming machines, encouraging players to have a break.

Lin concluded that her team will not tolerate violations of fundamental gambling harm minimization measures.

Any operators who attempt to circumvent the legislation will be met with a strong enforcement response.

Jane Lin, exec director of regulatory operations, Liquor & Gaming NSW

The regulator’s claim was supported by the Magistrate, which agreed that Vbar violated NSW’s regulations.

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Don Leon, a Greek trap star, has been arrested for alleged involvement in ATM robberies. According to the Greek City Times, the musician had laundered the money through casinos in the country.

Don Leon, 28, had two accomplices aged 27 and 26. The three men used explosives and metal-cutting tools to rob ATMs across the country, stealing a total of $770,000. The trapper and his accomplices gambled some of the money to launder it and also laundered large sums through the Greek music industry.

The local police pointed out that the robbers were also involved in vehicle stealing operations and used the stolen vehicles to conduct their operations throughout the country. However, the culprits’ criminal adventure eventually came to an end when the police apprehended them in Kifisia.

The police caught up to the three men just after another ATM robbery, this time in Ermioni. The Greek City Times report noted that they had stolen roughly $215,000 from that ATM.

The police raid saw law enforcers seize a large number of weapons and explosives. This included 1.5kg of explosives, a pyrotechnic rope, an M16 assault rifle and a number of pistols. The police also seized a metal cutting wheel and other tools that facilitated the burglary. In addition to the seized items, the police took roughly $222,000 in cash.

The police learned that the weapons broke Greece’s weapons laws. Some of the firearms were found in the residence of a relative of one of the suspects, leading to an additional arrest.

This Isn’t the First Time Don Leon Has Had Trouble with the Police

This is not the first time Don Leon has been arrested for involvement in gang activity. Back in 2021, the trapper was arrested for similar crimes. He was released in January 2023, insisting that he was not guilty of the crimes, the Greek City Time says.

The police will now continue to investigate Don Leon and his accomplices’ activities as it is believed that the full extent of their operation is yet to be seen. Greek authorities believe that further investigation is needed to uncover the “intricate connection” between organized crime, financial malfeasance and the entertainment industry.

The Greek City Times said that the current case may raise questions about the effectiveness of the law, considering that Don Leon liked to publicly display his wealth.

In the meantime, the police also consider the possibility of the trapper being a part of a broader criminal network.

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