Hellenic Club cleared of failing to record problem gambling, but found to have breached withdrawal regulations, bringing further distress to a family already impacted by suicide and financial ruin.
What Happened
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 by Marlene and Raimo Kasurinen, who lost at least $345,000 on poker machines. Despite a previous $1.2 million fine from the Racing and Gaming Commission in December 2024 for not recording “problem gambling incidents,” ACAT found no breach of gaming regulations on this count, as no current or former employees were aware of such signs.
However, ACAT did find the Hellenic Club breached regulations by allowing gambling machine players to withdraw more than $200 cash via an EFTPOS machine at once. The tribunal noted 45 instances where Mrs. Kasurinen made such withdrawals, sometimes taking out up to $1,400 in seven instalments over two hours.
Key Details
- The Hellenic Club was cleared of failing to record problem gambling by Marlene and Raimo Kasurinen, who lost at least $345,000 on poker machines.
- ACAT found no breach regarding problem gambling recordings, as employees claimed no awareness of such signs.
- The club was found to have breached regulations by allowing withdrawals greater than $200 via EFTPOS machines.
- Mrs. Kasurinen made 45 such withdrawals, sometimes taking up to $1,400 in seven instalments over two hours.
- ACAT hearings will resume in November to determine the fine for the withdrawal regulation breach.
- Raimo Kasurinen died by suicide in March 2020 amid the couple’s mounting debts.
- Marlene Kasurinen is currently in hospital, struggling financially and with severe health issues, according to her son-in-law, David Chambers.
- The Kasurinens’ excessive gambling began in 2017 after experiencing significant personal losses, including the death of Mrs. Kasurinen’s brother and the forced sale of their ‘Mr Fluffy’ home.
- The couple frequently visited the club, often having their dinner and drinks paid for, and staying until closing at 4 am.
Why It Matters
This ruling brings a mixed outcome for the Hellenic Club, alleviating a significant fine related to problem gambling but confirming a breach in withdrawal regulations. For the Kasurinen family, the decision offers little solace. Raimo Kasurinen’s suicide and Marlene’s current critical health and financial destitution underscore the devastating impact of problem gambling. David Chambers, the couple’s son-in-law, highlights Marlene’s struggle, stating, “her life is completely ruined.” The upcoming determination of a fine for the withdrawal breaches will be a critical next step, but it cannot undo the profound personal tragedies endured by the Kasurinen family, raising ongoing questions about club responsibilities and the broader societal costs of unchecked gambling.